Freedom of the Press - Guatemala (2002)

Status: Partly Free
Legal Environment: 16
Political Influences: 27
Economic Pressures: 6
Total Score: 49

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 66
Religious Groups: n/a
Ethnic Groups: Mestizo (55 percent), Indian (43 percent), other (2 percent)
Capital: Guatemala City

Journalists are at great risk in this notoriously violent country. Though several independent newspapers are privately owned and dozens of radio stations are commercially operated, the violence and threats directed against them force self-censorship or send many journalists into exile. Crimes against journalists go largely unsolved. This year, 20 journalists were threatened or attacked, particularly after they had condemned government corruption or irregularities. All four of the country's national television stations are owned by a Mexican citizen, Angel Gonzalez, who plays a significant role in politics and provides free broadcast time to politicians whom he supports. In December, the Inter American Press Association condemned a new law that requires the licensing of journalists.