In the midst of increasing political division and a situation of institutional instability, Honduras is confronting a significant challenge regarding media freedom. The country has been placed at position 142 out of 180 in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, as assessed by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), highlighting the vulnerable state of journalism within the nation. The potential triumph of the LIBRE (Libertad y Refundación) party in upcoming elections is causing worries about the possibility of a more constrained atmosphere for media and free speech.
The threat of an authoritarian context
Honduras finds itself in a situation where press freedom has been severely affected in recent years. The combination of growing political polarization and repressive policies by some sectors of the government has created a climate of intimidation toward critical media and independent journalists. In this environment, a victory for LIBRE could mean a worsening of tensions against the press, with greater risks of censorship, criminalization of dissent, and direct attacks on journalists.
The relationship between the LIBRE party and the press has been marked by moments of tension. Various allegations of persecution, threats, and harassment have been made by journalists and international organizations in recent years. Given this situation, human rights experts warn that a strengthening of the LIBRE party in power could lead to an even more aggressive policy toward the media, jeopardizing the right to freedom of expression and the ability of citizens to access independent information.
Responses from around the world and within the country
Several global organizations, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), have shown worry over the worsening situation for journalism in Honduras. Consequently, they have called on President Xiomara Castro’s administration to establish a secure and open atmosphere for journalists, especially throughout the election period, where reporting is crucial for guaranteeing transparency and reinforcing democracy.
For their part, human rights organizations operating in the country have also raised their voices against the systematic threats faced by journalists. These threats not only take the form of physical and verbal attacks, but also the criminalization of journalistic work. Attacks on the media and journalists have increased, along with their stigmatization and discrediting by state institutions, which further hinders the exercise of the right to information.
The political scenario and its implications for democracy
The political and social polarization that currently characterizes Honduras highlights the growing vulnerability of journalists and independent media, who, in many cases, must operate under constant pressure. LIBRE’s victory could consolidate a climate of imposed silence, in which voices critical of the government are increasingly silenced, not only through explicit censorship, but also through more subtle tactics such as disinformation, defamation, and legal pressure.
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.
Challenges and risks for Honduran institutions
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.
