Bolivia's press unions denounce unfounded accusations as former minister lauds media's democratic role

The Association of Journalists of Oruro, the Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Prensa de Oruro and the Asociación de Periodistas y Productores Independientes issued a joint statement condemning statements by local leader Teodora Gutiérrez Fuentes, who claimed journalists in Oruro were “sold”. The unions called the accusations baseless, demanded a public retraction and warned that such unfounded claims could lead to legal liability for harming the profession’s honor.

Former Minister of the Presidency José Luis Lupo used his social‑media platform to thank Bolivian journalists for their work, emphasizing that a free press is essential to democracy and institutional strength. He recalled past periods of conflict that threatened freedom of expression and noted his potential nomination as Bolivia’s representative to the Organization of American States, pending Senate approval.