|
|
Country-by-Country
Reports
|
PERU
There have been positive developments for freedom of speech and of the press
in Peru since our last report. The inauguration of the winning candidate in
the presidential elections, Alejandro Toledo, marked a milestone for democracy
and freedom of the press.
Another important development was the signing of the Inter-American Democratic
Charter, whereby member countries of the Organization of American States (OAS)
and representatives of civil society recommended setting up practical mechanisms
for public participation, to create a more harmonious society. In addition,
the Peruvian Press Council set new policy to give the public access to information
from all government entities.
By virtue of Ministerial Resolution 431-2001-JUS, moreover, the Peruvian government
granted amnesty to journalist Antero Grimaldo Gargurevich Oliva, who had been
held at Lima's "Miguel Castro Castro" maximum-security prison since
April 14, 1994, after being sentenced to 12 years by the Special Court for Cases
of Terrorism. The resolution states that the ad hoc committee that recommended
the pardon had asserted that the charges against Gargurevich Oliva had been
based on insufficient evidence, such that he could reasonably be presumed not
to have been associated in any way with individual terrorists or terrorist activities
or organizations.
Through Congress, the press had access to a new video showing Ernesto Shutz,
chairman of the board of Panamericana Televisión (Peru's leading television
station), receiving money directly from Vladimiro Montesinos, along with an
audio recording that left no doubt that a financial deal was being struck to
buy off the station for money. Shutz was arrested in Argentina while attempting
to flee to Europe and is in the process of being extradited to Peru.
Journalist Cecilia Valenzuela was accused of libel and of wrongfully accusing
a person of a criminal act by former president Alan García and members
of the Aprista Party, in response to a report aired on her television program
"Entre Líneas" (Canal N) that drew a link between García
and Montesinos. Additionally, journalist César Hildebrandt announced
that he would shortly be arrested and tried for defamation, but the case was
finally dismissed.
Organizations for the defense of freedom of the press denied charges of libel
and defamation leveled by retired Col. Yldorfo Cueva Retuerto against journalists
Jesús Alfonso Castiglione Mendoza, Martín Gómez Arquiño
and Hugo Gonzáles Henostroza, petitioning the judge of the Huaraz criminal
court hearing the case, Dr. Gregorio Arias Blas, to dismiss the complaint. They
also reported Cueva Retuerto to the Truth Commission established to identify
those responsible for human rights violations from 1980 to 2000, for his actions
against journalists as head of a police unit.
A statement was prepared, setting out the concerns of the family of Eduardo
Calmell regarding his trial. Calmell's incarceration continues, and no conviction
or acquittal has been forthcoming.
Finally, the executive committee of the Peruvian Press Council met with the
speaker and the five vice speakers of the Congress, to articulate its position
on bills that relate to freedom of speech and of the press.
 questions
or comments? e-mail us
Copyright © 2003 Inter American Press Association.
All rights reserved.
. |
