Reason prevailed. The intention of the ruling party to put obstacles to the process of effective collaboration and prevent journalism from accessing important fiscal information that allows to know the behind the scenes of corruption cases, such as those that currently surround the government of peter castledid not prosper.
By majority, the plenary session of Congress sent to the file the opinion approved weeks ago in the Justice Commission. In that instance, it is recalled, the initiative was supported unanimously. Yesterday, in the plenary vote, however, some of those who supported it –in the first instance– such as Gladys Echaiz and Alejandro Cavero chose not to pronounce themselves in favor or against, and others like Alejandro Muñante were inclined to abstain. Only 39 congressmen from benches related to the ruling party such as Free Peru, Podemos, Somos Perú and the ‘Los Niños’ faction of Popular Action supported the ruling. There were 54 votes against and 13 abstentions.
restrictions
In essence, the legislative proposal proposed a series of measures that would have prevented the normal development and effectiveness of the effective collaboration system, for example, by establishing that it is prohibited to corroborate the declaration of an aspiring effective collaborator with the declaration of other applicants to the same benefit or when setting maximum terms for the conclusion of effective collaboration agreements.
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Likewise, the opinion postulated punishing with imprisonment for not more than four nor more than six years whoever reveals, provides, disseminates, provides in whole or in part the identity of an effective collaborator, witness, etc., or the content of their statements. In short, they sought to muzzle the press.
Congresswoman Ruth Luque denounced that the law placed restrictions on the effective collaboration process and, in practice, “I cut off the arms of the prosecutors who have used this tool to discover the truth”.
Keep in mind
- Waldemar Cerrón proposed that the prison sanction for journalists be withdrawn, but that it be maintained for officials with access to information obtained through effective collaboration.
- In the case of the latter, in addition, their disqualification was proposed.
