(IPYS/IFEX) – Member of Congress Jorge Mufarech Nemy, of the Perú Posible ruling party, has filed a complaint against journalist Pedro Eduardo Salinas Chacaltana. Salinas is a columnist for the daily “Correo” and hosts the “Suma de opiniones” programme, broadcast on La Inolvidable radio station. Mufarech alleges the journalist defamed him and is seeking a […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – Member of Congress Jorge Mufarech Nemy, of the Perú Posible ruling party, has filed a complaint against journalist Pedro Eduardo Salinas Chacaltana. Salinas is a columnist for the daily “Correo” and hosts the “Suma de opiniones” programme, broadcast on La Inolvidable radio station. Mufarech alleges the journalist defamed him and is seeking a three-year prison sentence for Salinas and payment of US$1 million in damages.
The legal action was launched in connection with two of Salinas’s articles, published on 23 December 2002 and 11 March 2003. In the articles, the journalist called into question Mufarech’s actions. Mufarech alleges that the journalist insulted him and falsely accused him of protecting smugglers.
According to IPYS, the legal action against Salinas is based on the concept of protection under the law of an individual’s honour or reputation. However, IPYS is of the opinion that officials, individuals in the public eye or those who are involved in matters of public interest are subject to greater scrutiny and should be prepared to face greater intrusions into their privacy.
Salinas was notified of the complaint against him on 21 January 2004, even though the complaint had been filed in December 2003. The journalist views the action against him as an attack on freedom of expression and critical thought and as an attempt to intimidate him.
