(PFC/IFEX) – On 24 December 2002, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Frank Moya Pons sent a letter to Miguel Franjul, director of the “Listín Diario” newspaper, accusing him of carrying out a “campaign of lies, defamation and misinformation.” In a number of “Listín Diario” articles and editorials, Moya Pons’ department was accused of being negligent […]
(PFC/IFEX) – On 24 December 2002, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Frank Moya Pons sent a letter to Miguel Franjul, director of the “Listín Diario” newspaper, accusing him of carrying out a “campaign of lies, defamation and misinformation.” In a number of “Listín Diario” articles and editorials, Moya Pons’ department was accused of being negligent for failing to stop the illegal extraction of sand in the Bahí dunes, an area protected under the Environment and Natural Resources Law (No. 64-00). The letter to Franjul appeared as a paid advertisement in various media.
In a 20 December article, entitled “Trucks continue to extract sand from the dunes in Bahí”, journalist José Dicén reported that certain individuals linked to the construction industry were extracting huge quantities of sand from the region, without the authorities doing anything to prevent this night-time operation. The following day, an editorial in “Listín Diario” noted that “for several months, this plundering has been occurring secretly, but with the definite complicity of the Environment Secretariat, which has shown its sheer uselessness by turning a blind eye.”
Instead of attacking the media, authorities should follow up on reports of environmental abuses, investigate the alleged actions and bring those responsible to justice. As PFC noted however, quite often in Latin America the authorities adhere to the mandate of their office only after being exposed by the media. In this case for example, the Environment and Natural Resources Secretariat did not take any action against those thought to be responsible for the illegal extraction of sand in the Bahí dunes until 23 December, after the publication of the “Listín Diario” reports and editorials on the case.
For more than two years, PFC has been monitoring the main news media in Latin America, particularly the print media, and has noted that little attention is placed on the impact of corruption on the management of the environment. PFC has noted that bribes and influence peddling to extend environmental permits have a significant impact on the destruction of natural resources and the contamination of ecosystems.
PFC considers the role of “Listín Diario” important and exemplary in the defence of the Bahí dunes, and deplores the stance of Secretary Moya Pons. When officials of Moya Pons’ stature attack a media outlet, their actions can have an inhibitory effect that results in self-censorship and limits the publication of future denunciations.
For reports, editorials and further information on the case, see:
http://www.portal-pfc.org/perseguidos/2002/122.html
Recommended Action
Send letters of support to “Listín Diario”:
– welcoming the publication of reports and editorials on the illegal extraction of sand from the Bahí dunes and condemning the action against the newspaper by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Moya Pons
Miguel Franjul
Director
“Listín Diario”
Fax: +809 686 6595
E-mail: m.franjul@listin.com.do
