The former special reporter for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), Catalina Botero, expressed her concern about the state of democracy in Mexico and in Latin America in general. Botero warned about the setbacks occurring in terms of freedom of expression and the violation of democratic guarantees in the region.
Botero pointed out that in the late last century, Latin America experienced significant advances in freedom of expression, with processes of transparency, access to information, and better guarantees for the exercise of freedom of expression. However, she noted that these achievements are currently being dismantled, especially in countries like Mexico.
The expert mentioned that in Mexico, autonomous institutions related to freedom of expression have been dissolved, transferring their powers to the Executive Branch, which is a cause for great concern. Furthermore, she emphasized that in recent years there has been a weakening of democratic guarantees, including the autonomy of the Judiciary.
Botero stressed that the example of Mexico is representative of a broader trend in the region, where a regression in terms of freedom of expression is observed. Despite the advances made in past decades, the rise of governments with authoritarian attitudes has led to a weakening of democratic guarantees in many Latin American countries.
In this regard, the former IACHR rapporteur emphasized the importance of reversing this trend and strengthening mechanisms that protect freedom of expression and other fundamental rights in the region.
