The arrest of 16 suspects in Mexico on November 1, 2025, for the murder of two Colombian musicians has exposed a chilling reality: criminal organizations across Latin America are systematically targeting artists. The case of Bayron Sánchez (B-King) and Jorge Luis Herrera (Regio Clown) illuminates growing dangers facing artists in regions where organized crime intersects with artistic freedom. From Peru's extortion crisis to Colombia's conflict zones and Brazil's gang coercion, artists throughout the region face violence.
Freedom in the Arts (FITA) has launched Afraid to Speak Freely, a powerful report revealing growing censorship, self-silencing, and ideological pressure within the UK’s arts and cultural sector. Based on responses from 483 professionals, the report calls for urgent action to protect freedom of expression and support viewpoint diversity across institutions in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
