The National Press Association of Bolivia warned on Wednesday that a package of bills promoted by the Arce government poses a threat to the informative work, as well as to freedom of the press and freedom of expression.
“The proposals come when mobilized social sectors present demands to the government, demanding security over the administration of retirement funds, and from within the ranks of the ruling party itself, and denunciations are being spread about the importation of fuels,” it said in a statement.
In this sense, it specified that these bills aim to “restrict free opinions, avoid claims and demands on daily issues and prevent protests”.
“This would seek to impose an official narrative and punish citizens who question it,” it added.
These “gag” bills propose sanctions that contemplate penalties of three to seven years in prison for “discriminatory or racial crimes” and also penalize the “improper use” of social networks, as reported by the newspaper ‘El Deber’.
According to the newspaper, to denounce this package of bills – 305, 304, and 280 – a group of journalists gathered in front of the cathedral of Santa Cruz de la Sierra with signs in protest.
With information from LGI
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