55 Global News Post 1

Written on December 28th, 2021, “Indigenous Community Radio Operators Win Court Case Against the Guatemalan State” is an article by la Prensa Comunitaria (the community press) and translated by Emma Dewick, published ultimately by the Global Voices news source. It covers the modern topics of technological/communications censorship, outlining how the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) found the State of Guatemala guilty of unlawful violations against several Indigenous Mayan peoples for their prevention of Indigenous-focused community radio stations. The State of Guatemalan was specifically responsible for violations of freedom of speech, equality before the law, and participation in cultural life, due to their restriction actions such as raids and the control of state radio liscensure. As a result of such court case (lead by the independent judicial body of the Organization of American States), reparations, reversal measures, and future protection/development initiatives were ordered for the affected peoples.

At least 43.6% of the Guatemalan population identifies as Indigenous (with 80% under the poverty line). These community radios are non-profit stations that aim to promote local community development, using the Indigenous background as a leverage for unity. They strive to provide information services, education, entertainment, and defense against the State. The situation this article covers goes along with the topic of the digital/media divide and its relationship with governing bodies, as well as how these societal aspects affect those who struggle with resource accessibility and support within their respective society. This therefore makes the divide stronger.

However, this is a “turning point for for community radio stations in Guatemala,” as described by Ixchel Estéro radio station.

Indigenous community radio operators win court case against the Guatemalan State