The Executive power It is consolidated as the main aggressor of freedom of expression in the first half of 2022, according to the report of the Peruvian Press Council (CPP) prepared for the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA).
In the document, it states that for the second time in a year and a half it indicates that the freedoms of expression and of the press in Peru are “at its worst” of the last two decades.
Likewise, it specifies that not only are the “traditional institutions of aggression”, such as Congress and the Judiciary, but also -and above all- the Executive Power. To them is added the Office of the Prosecutor of the Nation.
Regarding the latter, the CPP points out “which has opened investigations against journalists for the mere fact of reporting, in addition to persecuting journalists and citizens for their political positions in the face of the 2021 presidential elections”.
“In that sense, the Peruvian Press Council can point out that Pedro Castillo is the president least committed to freedom of expression since Alberto Fujimori”specifies the report.
Similarly, he adds that the National Police “works like a shield” of the president when he attends public events to prevent journalists from approaching to ask for statements and that on several occasions they have physically attacked reporters.
It also considers that the formation of violent citizen groups that insult and attack journalists, authorities and public figures for their publications, their positions or their work is no less important or harmful.
“Political and digital activism that seeks to censor discordant opinions, mainly through social networks, has also become a front of aggression against freedom of expression. This is a front of aggression that this organization considers a serious threat to freedom of expression in Peru”he underlined.
