La Prensa Honoured with UNESCO Press Freedom Prize Amidst Government Repression

In a powerful endorsement of journalistic courage, Nicaragua’s century-old newspaper La Prensa has been awarded the 2025 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. Despite facing escalating repression from the Ortega-Murillo regime—including arrests, exile, and asset confiscation—La Prensa has continued its fearless reporting, championing truth and accountability in a country where press freedoms have dramatically eroded.

Why in News?

The newspaper La Prensa was announced as the recipient of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize 2025 on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day (3 May 2025). This award recognizes the paper’s resilience in upholding freedom of expression and independent journalism in the face of authoritarian suppression in Nicaragua.

Background and Relevance

• La Prensa, founded in 1926, is one of Nicaragua’s oldest and most respected newspapers.
• Over the years, it has faced numerous political challenges, censorship, and violent crackdowns.

The Ortega-Murillo regime has intensified attacks on the free press, including,

• Jailing journalists
• Forcing media personnel into exile
• Confiscating newsroom assets and properties

Details of the Prize

• The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize was established in 1997.
• It is named after Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano Isaza, assassinated in 1986 for his criticism of drug cartels.
• The prize honors individuals, organizations, or institutions that have made outstanding contributions to the defense and promotion of press freedom.

Objectives of the Award to La Prensa

• Acknowledge its centennial legacy of credible journalism.
• Recognize its courageous resistance to state oppression.
• Promote international awareness of press freedom violations in Nicaragua.

Support from Civil Organizations

• CIVICUS and the Central American Association for Development and Democracy (ACADD) have lauded La Prensa’s win.
• These organizations have called on the international community to support Nicaraguan journalists facing criminalization and persecution.

Significance

• Reinforces the global commitment to freedom of the press.
• Highlights the threats journalists face under authoritarian regimes.
• Acts as a symbol of resistance and hope for media freedom in Central America and beyond.