Journalism in Honduras: challenges in the face of state repression

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 scenario, journalists in Honduras have encountered not just physical dangers, but also public defamation efforts and legal intimidation, which have undermined media independence and heightened worries both domestically and globally. Civil society and human rights groups have reacted with continuous monitoring and appeals for the safeguarding of basic rights.

Dangers, aggression, and lack of accountability towards journalists

Between 2001 and late 2024, over 100 journalists and communicators lost their lives in Honduras, with an impunity rate above 90%. Digital threats, harassment, and limitations have emerged as the most common types of violence, impacting both individual reporters and media companies throughout different areas of the nation. In recent years, incidents against 64 media organizations have been recorded, demonstrating enduring trends of persecution and criminalization.

Financial stress on media outlets has impacted their ability to operate and maintain editorial independence, leading some to scale back their operations or even shut down. Legal pressure and resource shortages have been crucial elements in this deterioration.

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.

Due to this situation, organizations at both the national and international levels have called upon the Honduran government to ensure journalists’ safety and uphold freedom of speech, viewing them as crucial components for democracy and legal governance.

Corporate initiatives and community engagement

In May 2025, the Honduran Armed Forces launched a media campaign targeting critical journalists, utilizing their official communication platform to publicly discredit well-known journalists. In a recent issue of their institutional newsletter, multiple pages were allocated to naming three journalists, supporting the allegations with photographs and descriptions labeling them as state adversaries, without offering any tangible 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 has captured societal focus after a communiqué from the Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces mentioned him. This has led to solidarity from both local and global entities. The communiqué, seen as threatening, was a reaction to comments made by Wong Arévalo regarding supposed mishandling of government funds. Many groups have emphasized that providing information and overseeing institutions are fundamental to democratic systems.

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.