Within the framework of World Press Freedom Day, a delegation from the Uruguayan Press Association delivered a letter to the Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Organization of American States (OAS) that reports on the state of freedom of expression in Uruguay since of some significant facts that are reflected in the latest report and monitoring on freedom of expression carried out by the organization Cainfo.
In that report, a record of cases affecting freedom of expression and the work of journalists in Uruguay in the last year is reported. Reference is made to direct allusions to the work of journalists, mainly made by Senator Graciela Bianchi, who occupies the third line of presidential succession and is one of the main spokespersons for the government at the parliamentary level.
Senator Bianchi has repeatedly used her Twitter account to accuse journalists of carrying out their work in a biased manner and more than once has disqualified the work of professionals in our country.
At the same time, APU conveyed the concern that is also reflected in the Cainfo report regarding other problems related to freedom of expression, for example, the little response that Uruguayan State agencies give to requests for access to information that are included within the framework Uruguayan normative, being a fundamental resource for the development of journalistic work.
There has also been a trend reflected in recent times to prosecute the work of the journalist with repeated legal actions, including many from political power that lead to legal claims before played throughout the country.
It is for this reason that we understand that it is essential that the OAS rapporteur on freedom of expression get a true picture of what is happening in the country, beyond what was formally realized by the activities organized by UNESCO.
For the APU, it is important to have participated in this activity, thanking UNESCO for its call to also make its voice heard regarding this situation, which is not always reflected as it deserves.
