(IPYS/IFEX) – In a 13 February 1998 press release, IPYS reports that journalist Ruben Zurita Vilela was released from prison on 16 January 1998, under a conditional release. Zurita, a broadcaster with Radio Sinfonia of Puerto Maldondado, was sentenced on 21 October 1997 to one year in prison for “illegal practice of journalism” and for […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – In a 13 February 1998 press release, IPYS reports that
journalist Ruben Zurita Vilela was released from prison on 16 January 1998,
under a conditional release. Zurita, a broadcaster with Radio Sinfonia of
Puerto Maldondado, was sentenced on 21 October 1997 to one year in prison
for “illegal practice of journalism” and for contempt. Among the reasons
for the decision, it was stated that Zurita was exercising his profession as
a journalist illegally because as he was not a member of the College of
Journalists.
**Updates IFEX alert of 21 November 1997**
Both the second article of Law 23221 which created the College of
Journalists, and the Supreme Decree N 003-81-COMS, state that “membership in
the College of Journalists is automatic for anyone who works in journalism
in accordance with the rights recognized and protected by the
Constitution.” As well, the Inter-american Court of Human Rights, in a
Consultative Opinion of 13 November 1985, reaffirmed that membership in the
professional college was not obligatory in order to work as a journalist.
Requiring membership constitutes an open violation of freedom of the press
and freedom of expression.
Zurita left the prison on 16 January with conditional freedom. Zurita
informed IPYS that Marina Tagle de Rebata, a member of the Court of
Maldonado, read him a document indicating that he is prohibited from leaving
the city without legal authorization and is not allowed to speak on
the radio or give interviews. In sum, he is not permitted to practice his
profession. If he does not comply with this order, he will be jailed again.
In addition, Zurita told IPYS that a municipal order has been passed
preventing him from being involved in the administration of the radio
station or representing the station, of which he is a co-owner.
IPYS spoke with Tagle, who responded evasively regarding the prohibition she
reportedly issued preventing Zurita from practicing journalism. Tagle would
only state that according to the reasons for the sentence, which she said
were ratified by the Supreme Court, Zurita had “various limitations” placed
on him, which, if not respected, would lead to his renewed imprisonment.
Zurita maintains, as well, that he has been under surveillance by two police
officers who are always outside his house. This is the first time in his 14
years as a journalist that he has been placed under such restrictions.
IPYS condemns the sentence and the restrictions on the practice of
journalism placed on Zurita, stating that they constitute a treacherous
threat against the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression in
Peru and a nefarious piece of jurisprudence.
