Minister of Labour threatens journalists

(IPYS/IFEX) – On 7 April 1999, the Minister of Labour, Jorge Mufarech, launched a series of threats against the journalists of the “Expreso” newspaper, “Caretas” magazine, and those who work with the cable channel Cable Canal de Noticias. As a result, the “Expreso” published the following editorial on 8 April: “The attack against the media […]

(IPYS/IFEX) – On 7 April 1999, the Minister of Labour, Jorge Mufarech,
launched a series of threats against the journalists of the “Expreso”
newspaper, “Caretas” magazine, and those who work with the cable
channel
Cable Canal de Noticias. As a result, the “Expreso” published the
following
editorial on 8 April:

“The attack against the media and the journalists who are not,
according to
his confused understanding, his supporters, is just one more
demonstration
of the intolerance this public figure has chosen to mark his brief
performance in Peruvian public life. At Expreso and CCN we are not
going to
accept or give in to his threats or his insults. We will continue to
express
our opinion with freedom and according to our conscience. All the
journalists of this publishing house and television channel act within
a
framework of the clearest and firmest respect for truth and
seriousness. In
so doing we mean to reject any attack against freedom of expression
and the
right of the public to be informed, no matter how high standing the
official
who hides behind attacks.”

Mufarech heads a committee against smuggling and has issued a series
of
accusations, many of these unsupported, against public and private
officials
and some journalists. This has created divisions inside the
ministerial
cabinet presided by Víctor Joy Way.

Recommended Action

Alberto Fujimori Fujimori

President of the Republic

Lima, Peru

Fax: +51 1 426 6535

Jorge Santistevan de Noriega

Ombudsman

Lima, Peru

Fax: +51 1 426 6657
Víctor Joy Way Rojas

President of the Council of Ministers

Lima, Peru

Fax: +51 1 447 1628