Shot fired at journalist’s home in Bolivia
The police have so far failed to investigate an incident at the home of Bolvian journalist Humberto Vacaflor Ganam. This is the second attack in two years on the journalist who has been critical of the government’s actions and policies.
Bolivian journalists temporarily flee country after harassment
The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the official harassment of two executives of a Bolivian newspaper that has reported on government corruption in the northern department of Pando. Both journalists sought refuge in Brazil for three days after the episode, according to news reports.
Mayor threatens “to bury” newspaper journalists in Bolivia
The mayor of a Bolivian town accused El Deber newspaper of promoting his removal from office and said that he could take actions to “bury” the newspaper.
Bolivian government takes aim at national news agency with libel suit
Government Minister Carlos Romero announced he was filing a criminal charge against the ANF for libeling the president in an article titled “Evo says that if people go hungry in the east it is because of ‘laziness’.” Romero said that the lawsuit seeks “to set a precedent.”
As protests continue, ANP condemns attacks on free expression and calls for calm
A number of journalists and camera operators were assaulted while trying to cover protests by police officers demanding higher pay.
Journalists caught up in violence of mining dispute and political protests
Radio Vanguardia, owned by the workers at the Empresa Minera Colquiri, was the target of three explosions in one night. One of its journalists told RSF: “We were in the studio when a stick of dynamite with a lit fuse was thrown on to the roof and the rear walls of the building.”
Journalist sentenced to two and a half years in prison for defamation
Rogelio Peláez was convicted of “defamation and libel” for his use of metaphors in articles about a lawyer who had collected excessively high legal fees.
Evo Morales betrays contradictions in his position toward the press
IPI is dismayed that President Morales considers the media to be his opposition and, therefore, instead of condemning attacks against critical press, seems to leave his followers free to “react against the lies,” which has at times resulted in violence.
Journalist stabbed
Leopoldo Ibarra sustained eight stab wounds and a beating for what he says was retaliation for his coverage of local trade organisations.
Radio and television stations destroyed by mayor’s supporters
A group of residents from the community of Choré dismantled and destroyed equipment belonging to the Yapacaní community radio station and Canal 8 television station.
Journalist’s son flees the country following threats
Journalist Mónica Oblitas has been receiving threats since reporting on a corruption case in April 2011.
Journalist who exposed corruption threatened
Mónica Oblitas has received repeated death threats after publishing an exposé on corruption within the Institute of Forensic Investigations.
Investigation points to suicide as reason for journalist’s death
According to a Public Prosecutor’s Office investigation, David Niño de Guzmán died as a result of injuries caused by the detonation of a bomb that he himself manufactured.
Police detain individual for selling video about President Evo Morales
Richard Romero Cossío was accused of “insult to authorities” for selling a video about the president’s activities as the head of a coca growers association.
Several laws restricting press freedom raise IAPA concern
One of the laws being debated would require media outlets to broadcast every speech by President Evo Morales and another would ban media from conducting interviews or voicing opinions concerning the appointment of judges.
Body of missing journalist found in La Paz
The body of journalist David Niño de Guzmán, news director at Agencia de Noticias Fides (ANF), was found on a street in the outskirts of La Paz on 21 April 2011.