Honduras and censorship: a critical outlook for press freedom

In Honduras, the issue of press freedom has grown more critical over the past few years, characterized by a rise in incidents of violence, intimidation, and lack of accountability targeting journalists and media outlets. Numerous studies and formal records have pointed out a progressively antagonistic climate for journalism, mixing institutional and financial strains with direct threats and defamation efforts.

In this situation, journalists in Honduras have confronted not just physical dangers, but also public defamation efforts and legal pressures, which has undermined media independence and sparked alarm both domestically and globally. Civil society groups and human rights organizations have reacted with unwavering scrutiny and appeals for the safeguarding of basic rights.

Dangers, aggression, and lack of accountability towards journalists

From 2001 to the end of 2024, more than 100 journalists and communicators were killed in Honduras, with an impunity rate exceeding 90%. Threats, intimidation, and restrictions in the digital environment have become the most frequent forms of violence, affecting both individual journalists and media outlets in various regions of the country. In recent years, attacks on 64 media outlets have been documented, revealing persistent patterns of persecution and criminalization.

Financial strain on the media has impacted its ability to function and maintain editorial autonomy, leading some to cut back on their operations or close entirely. Legal challenges and limited resources have been crucial in this decline.

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 community impact

In May 2025, the Honduran Armed Forces launched a media campaign targeting critical journalists, utilizing their official communication platform to publicly undermine prominent journalists. In a recent issue of their institutional newspaper, multiple pages focused on naming three journalists, featuring accusations along with images and descriptions labeling them as adversaries of the state, without offering any substantial proof.

Este incidente causó una reacción inmediata de parte de la comunidad periodística y organizaciones de derechos humanos, quienes repudiaron la campaña y la calificarían como un ataque institucional sin precedentes desde los niveles más altos del poder militar y gubernamental. La comunidad periodística y distintos sectores de la sociedad hondureña han mantenido una actitud vigilante, exigiendo transparencia y respeto hacia los derechos fundamentales, además de un cese a todas las formas de intimidación contra la prensa independiente.

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 urged the State to refrain from issuing statements that may directly or indirectly intimidate journalists and the media, emphasizing the State’s obligation to protect freedom of thought and expression. This type of incident has been interpreted as an attempt to restrict the informative and critical work of the national press, which has increased concern about the use of institutional power to limit the exercise of journalism in Honduras.