Press freedom declines in Americas, with US seeing sharpest drop: Report
A press freedom index has given the Americas its lowest ranking since it started recording results six years ago.

A press freedom index has given the Americas its lowest ranking since it started recording results six years ago.




![Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Co-President Rosario Murillo gesturing during Labor Day celebrations in Managua on 30 April, 2025. [File: Jairo Cajina/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/000_44689CG-1753993967.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)




Trade representative Katherine Tai denounced the government of Daniel Ortega for ‘repressive acts’ against critics.
Legislators greenlight reforms giving more authority to Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, accused of stifling dissent.
The late season storm is forecast to bring heavy rains to flood-prone Central America before moving east towards the US.
In a largely symbolic move, the Ortega government condemned Israel’s leaders as ‘fascist’ and ‘genocidal’ over Gaza war.
The released group includes student and religious leaders who were arrested as part of crackdown under President Ortega.
The move is part of a crackdown against groups viewed as hostile to President Daniel Ortega.

The UN’s top court has thrown out Nicaragua’s request to halt German arms sales to Israel.
Germany says 98 percent of arms exports to Israel since October 7 were equipment like vests, helmets and binoculars.