Radio Universidad de Chile Calls for Press Freedom After Exclusion from Far-Right Summit Events

Original article: Radio U. de Chile denuncia exclusión de cumbre de ultraderecha pese a acreditación previa y exige respeto a la libertad de prensa

Radio Universidad de Chile demands respect for press freedom and has reported that its journalistic team was excluded from covering the Foro de Madrid, despite having completed all prior accreditation procedures requested by the organizers of the far-right summit taking place in Santiago.

In a statement, the media outlet indicated that «the given excuses are incomprehensible, since the accreditation of the Radio had been previously accepted».

Furthermore, they criticized that no one has yet taken responsibility for the decision, «despite our efforts to communicate with the organization».

The Foro de Madrid is a coalition of right-wing and far-right political parties and leaders, mainly from Spain and Latin America, established in 2020 by the Disenso Foundation, a think tank associated with the Spanish far-right party Vox, serving as a political platform on an international level.

The summit, which began on Thursday and concludes this Friday, features the Presidents of Chile, José Antonio Kast, and Argentina, Javier Milei, as central figures.

Among the far-right political actors participating in this event are U.S. Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy, Sarah Rogers; President of The Heritage Foundation, Kevin Roberts; and Hungarian MEP Kinga Gál, known for her ties to former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, along with representatives of Vox and the U.S. Ambassador to Chile, Brandon Judd.

In response to the restriction on access to their press team, Radio U. de Chile reminded the Foro Madrid organizers that «a political gathering involving public officials cannot be considered a private event where someone can reserve the ‘right of admission'».

Additionally, they highlighted that this meeting takes place in Chile, a «democratic country where press freedom is enshrined».

University Senate of U. de Chile Advocates for the «Right to Communication«

The University Senate of the institution also expressed its strong condemnation of the radio’s exclusion, deeming the action a «serious infringement on the exercise of journalism».

They stated in a public declaration that «it is especially concerning when it occurs during a political event involving national and foreign public authorities».

In the statement, they asserted that as an overarching body of U. de Chile, which has historically contributed to fostering the democratic debate in the country, they assert the «right to communication» as an essential condition for an informed citizenry and a robust democracy.

They also reaffirmed the society’s right to «seek, receive and verify information, and the right of media and journalists to carry out their work without discrimination or arbitrary exclusions».

For these reasons, «we condemn the decision made by the organizers of the Foro Madrid and express our full solidarity with Radio Universidad de Chile and its staff».

Featured image: Radio U. de Chile.

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