by the El Reportero’s news services
Evo Morales
By Oct. 11 at least 17 journalists, including the executive director of Bolivia’s leading daily, El Deber, were on hunger strike in protest at the government’s recently approved ‘law against racism and all forms of discrimination’, which the media claims threatens press freedom.
The law, which was signed by President Evo Morales on Oct. 8 following its approval by both houses of congress (without debate), has sparked an unprecedented battle between Morales and the country’s media, the overwhelming majority of which is owned by business interests hostile to his government. So far, the media is leading the challenge to the government, though it is being backed by the UN and the Roman Catholic Church.
