Original article: Informe internacional confirma acoso judicial a prensa independiente en Chile

International Report Confirms Judicial Harassment of Independent Press in Chile

Recently, the international organization Voces del Sur released its annual report on press freedom in Latin America for 2025, highlighting a troubling structural regression characterized by various forms of silencing.

The report documented a total of 2,484 alerts affecting 3,230 victims across 17 countries, with Chile experiencing a 14.4% increase in the number of victims compared to the previous year.

«Political actors and prominent figures amplified disqualifications labeling journalists as ‘activists’, ‘octubristas’, ‘fake news’ purveyors, or claiming they serve ideological interests,» the report states. It further explains that during the recent electoral process, the proliferation of these narratives has normalized an anti-press discourse that now targets the entire journalistic community, rather than just critical sectors.

One of the most alarming aspects outlined in the report pertains to judicial harassment against the press, which disproportionately affects independent journalists and media executives in Chile, despite a decrease in judicial alerts from 23 in 2024 to 9 in 2025.

The report specifies that this situation has impacted outlets like Radio Paulina, El Ciudadano, Novena Digital, and Contrapoder Chile. The harassment includes lawsuits for defamation and slander, protective measures to remove publications or prevent new television broadcasts, and even attempts to disclose journalistic sources.

As for Contrapoder Chile, its director, journalist Josefa Barraza (former director of El Ciudadano), is currently facing two legal cases over published articles: a criminal complaint from Ñuñoa mayor Sebastián Sichel and a protective measure from the ex-brother-in-law of senator Camila Flores.

«Rather than disappearing, judicial harassment has intensified against community and local media, taking advantage of their lack of resources and low visibility to silence critical coverage with minimal political cost,» noted Voces del Sur.

Review and/or download the full report HERE

El Ciudadano