Costa Rican Congress eliminates prison sentences for journalists for libel and slander

The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica unanimously approved this Wednesday the elimination of prison sentences against journalists for libel, slander or publications considered subversive, contained in the centenary Press Law. This decision, according to the Institute for Press and Freedom of Expression (Iplex), constitutes a "historic change" for press freedom in the country and aligns national regulations with international standards, transferring conflicts generated by journalistic practice from the criminal to the civil sphere. The Congress repealed articles 7 and 8 of the Press Law, thus eliminating sanctions that established penalties of up to 120 days in prison for journalists and editors responsible for libel or slander committed through the press. In addition, article 8 imposed the same punishment on those who published content classified as attempts to subvert order or alter friendly relations with other States.

You can also read: Beijing advocates for strengthening cooperation with Costa Rica after Fernandez's victory

According to Iplex, “the elimination of these criminal sanctions is not a simple technical adjustment: it represents the recognition that in a mature democracy ideas must be confronted with arguments, not with punishments”. The project, which is now pending official signature and publication by the Executive, responds to file number 24.185, entitled "Law for the freedom of journalistic exercise. Repeal of articles 7 and 8 of the Press Law, Law No. 32", and was presented by deputy Gilberto Campos of the Liberal Progressive Party. From the Iplex, it was emphasized that these reforms "honor the struggle of journalists, jurists, and human rights defenders who for decades denounced the anachronism of the Press Law". The text was approved this Tuesday with 43 votes in favor, in the second and final debate. The initiative seeks to guarantee the free exercise of journalism in Costa Rica and eliminate provisions considered obsolete and restrictive. The organization also highlighted: "Today we celebrate an institutional victory that strengthens the free, critical, and responsible press, an essential pillar of every democratic republic. Twenty years after proposing it, we see in this achievement the proof that perseverance and commitment to freedom of expression bear fruit," according to Iplex. The new legislation leaves behind a framework that for decades allowed the imprisonment of communication professionals, and represents progress that was described by specialists as a significant victory in the protection of fundamental rights and in the promotion of freer journalism in Costa Rica.