Against a backdrop of growing political polarization and institutional crisis, Honduras faces a critical challenge in terms of press freedom. The nation has been ranked 142nd out of 180 in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), reflecting the delicate situation facing journalism in the country. The possible victory of the LIBRE (Libertad y Refundación) political party in future elections raises concerns about an even more restrictive environment for the press and freedom of expression.
The danger of a dictatorial environment
Honduras is currently experiencing circumstances where the freedom of the press has been significantly compromised over the past few years. The merging of escalating political divisions and restrictive strategies by certain government factions has fostered a threatening atmosphere for outspoken media outlets and autonomous reporters. Within this context, a win for LIBRE might escalate hostilities toward the media, increasing the likelihood of censorship, suppression of opposition, and direct assaults on journalists.
The association between the LIBRE party and the media has experienced periods of strain. Numerous claims of intimidation, danger, and harassment have been reported by media professionals and global organizations over the past few years. In light of these circumstances, human rights specialists caution that an increase in the LIBRE party’s influence could result in a more hostile strategy towards the press, putting at risk the right to free speech and the public’s access to unbiased information.
Responses from around the world and within the country
Various international bodies, such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), have expressed concern about the deterioration of conditions for journalism in Honduras. In this regard, they have urged the government of President Xiomara Castro to create a safe and free environment for journalists, particularly during the electoral process, where media coverage is essential to ensure transparency and the strengthening of democracy.
In this country, human rights groups are speaking out against ongoing threats targeting journalists. These threats manifest not only through physical and verbal abuse but also through the criminalization of journalism. Media professionals face growing hostility, as they experience rising stigmatization and are undermined by government agencies, making it even more challenging to uphold the right to information.
The political landscape and its effects on democratic systems
The deepening political and social divide currently marked in Honduras has increased the threats faced by journalists and media outlets striving for independence, who often work under relentless strain. LIBRE’s success might strengthen a climate where imposed silence prevails, where dissenting voices against the government are progressively muted, not just by overt censorship, but also by more nuanced approaches like spreading false information, tarnishing reputations, and legal intimidation.
In this context, the exercise of independent journalism could become increasingly restricted, leading to an erosion of fundamental democratic values such as transparency and accountability. A scenario of growing repression of the media could contribute to a vicious circle of disinformation and manipulation, in which citizens are deprived of a reliable source of information about government decisions and their impact on society.
Obstacles and dangers for Honduran entities
The potential increase in restrictions and threats against media outlets if LIBRE maintains or augments its power poses a significant challenge to the nation’s democratic frameworks. Press freedom is an essential component for the operation of a democracy, and undermining it not only impacts reporters but also directly affects the public’s right to receive information and to cast their votes with adequate knowledge.
The international community, human rights organizations, and national actors are on alert to the possibility of a further deterioration of press freedom in Honduras. As the elections approach, it will be essential for the country to guarantee an environment free from intimidation, threats, and manipulation of information, so that journalists can play their role in strengthening democracy without their safety or integrity being compromised.