_-_copia.jpg?w=800&resize=800,500&ssl=1 "Freedom of the press in Honduras")
The state of press liberty in Honduras has gained more importance lately, characterized by a rise in incidents of aggression, intimidation, and lack of accountability targeting journalists and media outlets. Several reports and official documents have emphasized a progressively unfriendly atmosphere for journalism, where institutional and financial pressures are coupled with direct intimidation efforts and defamation campaigns.
In this scenario, journalists in Honduras have encountered not just physical dangers, but also public defamation efforts and legal intimidation, which have undermined media independence and heightened worries both domestically and globally. Civil society and human rights groups have reacted with continuous monitoring and appeals for the safeguarding of basic rights.
Threats, violence, and impunity against the press
Between 2001 and late 2024, over 100 journalists and communicators lost their lives in Honduras, with an impunity rate above 90%. Digital threats, harassment, and limitations have emerged as the most common types of violence, impacting both individual reporters and media companies throughout different areas of the nation. In recent years, incidents against 64 media organizations have been recorded, demonstrating enduring trends of persecution and criminalization.
Financial stress on media outlets has impacted their ability to operate and maintain editorial independence, leading some to scale back their operations or even shut down. Legal pressure and resource shortages have been crucial elements in this deterioration.
Global institutions have positioned Honduras at the lower end of journalism standards within Latin America, placing it among the lowest ranks on international press freedom lists.
Given these circumstances, both domestic and international bodies have called on the Honduran authorities to ensure the protection of journalists and uphold freedom of speech, recognizing these as fundamental components for democracy and the rule of law.
Corporate initiatives and societal impact
In May 2025, the Honduran Armed Forces launched a media campaign aimed at journalists who were critical of them, utilizing their official platform to openly disparage well-known reporters. A recent issue of their institutional publication devoted several pages to targeting three journalists, including images and narratives that labeled them as adversaries of the state, yet did not supply any substantial proof.
The incident sparked a swift response from journalists and human rights groups, who criticized the effort and labeled it as an unheard-of assault by top military and governmental authorities. The journalistic community and many segments of Honduran society have remained alert, calling for openness and the safeguarding of basic rights, along with a cessation of any form of pressure against the free press.
The situation involving journalist Rodrigo Wong Arévalo, who was mentioned in a release by the Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces, has captured public interest and prompted support from both national and international entities. The release, seen as threatening, was a reaction to comments by Wong Arévalo regarding supposed irregular actions in the allocation of public resources. Multiple groups have emphasized that the role of publicizing information and overseeing institutions is a critical element of democracy.
The National Human Rights Commissioner has called on the State to avoid making remarks that could intimidate journalists and media outlets, either directly or indirectly. The Commissioner highlighted the State’s duty to uphold freedom of speech and expression. Such events have been perceived as efforts to curb the informative and critical role played by the national press, raising fears about the potential misuse of institutional power to hinder journalistic activities in Honduras.
