El Salvador Journalists Association Relocates Amidst Foreign Agents Law
In response to restrictively stringent legislation in El Salvador, the nation's Journalists Association has announced a strategic move of its legal operations abroad. The foreign agents law has levied taxes on external funding, pressuring non-compliant organizations while President Bukele tightens power, prompting media workers to seek safety offshore.
The El Salvador Journalists Association revealed a strategic relocation of its legal entity abroad, citing restrictive legislation as the reason behind the drastic shift. The move follows the introduction of a controversial foreign agents law, which many view as a means to muzzle dissenting opinions in the Central American nation.
Having been a staunch advocate for press freedom since 1936, the association announced its decision on Wednesday, lamenting the necessity to operate beyond El Salvador's borders to safeguard journalists' rights effectively. This development arrives on the heels of September's announcement to close its offices, underscoring the pressure faced by the group.
In the backdrop of President Nayib Bukele's escalating political dominance after his landslide reelection, the foreign agents law has imposed a 30 percent tax on funds from foreign non-governmental organizations, requiring them to register domestically. Critiques argue this measure targets opposing voices by cutting off international funding sources, a trend mirrored by other leading organizations relocating from the country.
(With inputs from agencies.)
Google News