Peru’s President Dina Boluarte faces criticism from the Committee to Protect Journalists for accusing media outlets of conspiracy against her government. Her comments follow an investigation of her Interior Minister for abuse of power. Prominent press organizations demand a retraction and stress the importance of journalistic freedom.
The Committee to Protect Journalists urges Peruvian President Dina Boluarte to retract her claims that news media are conspiring to undermine her administration. These statements were made following the Attorney General’s investigation into Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez for abuse of power. In her remarks, Boluarte decried what she termed “bad press,” specifically targeting the investigative TV program Cuarto Poder, which has reported on alleged corruption within her government.
President Boluarte asserted that Cuarto Poder has continually harassed her since her inauguration, accusing the program of spreading false information that has subsequently been disseminated by other media platforms. The Committee to Protect Journalists’ Latin America coordinator, Cristina Zahar, emphasized the need for a supportive environment for journalists, calling for Boluarte to stop making baseless accusations.
Criticism of Boluarte’s remarks has also come from the Lima-based Institute for Press and Society and the National Association of Journalists of Peru, which characterized her comments as some of the most serious attacks against the press since her term began in December 2022. The scrutiny surrounding Boluarte has intensified amidst allegations of illicit enrichment related to her public displays of luxury items.
The CPJ has sought comments from the presidential press office but has not received any responses. The ongoing situation highlights the tension between governmental authority and journalistic independence in Peru, raising concerns about the freedom of the press in challenging political climates.
In conclusion, President Dina Boluarte’s accusations against media outlets as potential conspirators against her government have sparked significant backlash from journalist organizations and oversight bodies. These developments pose serious implications for press freedom in Peru, emphasizing the need for tolerance towards media criticism and the protection of independent journalism amidst heightened political scrutiny.
Original Source: cpj.org
