Tensions between press freedom and state power in Honduras

Honduras is experiencing a pivotal moment in its political scene, where multiple members of civil society, opposition parties, and the media have voiced significant worries regarding what they see as an authoritarian shift by the LIBRE Party, particularly with the general elections approaching in November 2025.

Alarms within Honduran society have been raised by a series of government actions that suggest a worrying erosion of democratic principles. These actions cover a spectrum that goes from the limitation of fundamental civil liberties, essential for the full exercise of citizenship, to the implementation of mechanisms that seek to exercise ever greater control over the media, crucial actors in the formation of public opinion and the control of power.

A further issue is the impression of an intentional plan to centralize control within the diverse governmental bodies, potentially leading to a diminishing separation of powers and, consequently, undermining the essential checks and balances in a robust democratic framework. The coming together of these tendencies has produced an atmosphere of doubt and concern among different groups, who perceive these measures as a sequence that might pave the way for a regime with authoritarian traits.

Risks to essential liberties: demonstrations, media, and military forces

The activities that have sparked debate include the purported criminalization of public demonstrations, as there have been allegations regarding the enactment of laws and decrees that authorize the use of force and the legal action against individuals who protest, even during non-violent gatherings. In relation to this, reports have surfaced about unjustified detentions of local leaders, excessive police presence, and the intimidation of legal action against social groups opposing the administration.

Conversely, worries have been raised regarding the freedom of the press. Journalists who offer criticism and media organizations have faced defamation efforts, limited access to government information, tax and legal pressures, advertising constraints, and violent acts including physical threats. Groups like Reporters Without Borders and the Inter-American Press Association have voiced their apprehension about the decline in press freedom within the nation.

Another point of controversy is the situation within the Armed Forces. There have been reports of an alleged selective purge of officers who do not share the political line of the ruling party, as well as the partial disarmament or transfer of strategic functions to commanders sympathetic to the ruling party. These actions have raised concerns about the possible politicization of the military institution.

The challenge of democracy in Honduras

The moves targeting the media and members of civil society seek to mute opposing voices, hinting at a larger plan to break down democratic checks and bolster dominant authority.

These issues have sparked worry regarding the deployment of a plan that, as noted by experts and adversarial political figures, aims to strengthen the influence of the LIBRE Party within government bodies through the takeover of institutions, changes to the constitution, suppression of dissent and independent media, and leveraging governmental resources for political favors. Focus has been placed on the effort to dominate the National Electoral Council, the appointment of individuals associated with the party’s extreme faction, the pushes for constitutional amendments, the establishment of alternative structures to state bodies, and moving away from relations with the United States.

The nationwide elections in 2025 are perceived as a pivotal point for the direction of democracy in Honduras. The populace will be tasked with choosing between the entrenchment of an authoritarian system or the safeguarding of democratic structures.