(SPP/IFEX) – For several weeks, unknown individuals have been interfering with the signal of Radio Paí Pukú, broadcast from the city of Tte. Irala Fernández, located about 350 kilometres from the capital Asuncion, in the Chaco region. The interference is particularly noted during the transmission of the programme “Red de amigos”, which allows various correspondents […]
(SPP/IFEX) – For several weeks, unknown individuals have been interfering
with the signal of Radio Paí Pukú, broadcast from the city of Tte. Irala
Fernández, located about 350 kilometres from the capital Asuncion, in the
Chaco region. The interference is particularly noted during the transmission
of the programme “Red de amigos”, which allows various correspondents
located in different parts of Chaco to communicate with each other about
events in their communities.
The interference intensified exactly at the moment when the correspondent
from Puerto Casado and from other areas of the Alto Paraguay region,
northeast of Chaco, bordering Bolivia and Brazil, reported that
demonstrations had been organised calling for the dismissal of Governor
Oscar Alvarenga and regional deputee Tarcisio Sostoa.
The radio station’s management, which is run by the Catholic Church, has
suggested that the transmission was intercepted by individuals who are
connected with government institutions and are in fear of losing their
positions of authority. The interference is seen as a serious attack on
press freedom and freedom of expression in Paraguay.
SPP hopes that the radio station signals comptroller, the National
Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL), will investigate the case and deal
with those who were responsible for the interference of Radio Paí Pukú’s
transmission.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
interference of Radio Paí Pukú’s signal
communities can continue expressing their opinions freely
Appeals To
Numa Arellano
President of CONATEL
Fax: +595 21 497 171 or 440 020
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
