(IPYS/IFEX) – On 26 and 27 May 2005, reporters Mario Espinoza Ruiz, Ronald Ripa Casafranca and Nilo Gonzáles Domínguez, of Radio Panorama station, were the target of a number of intimidating acts. Threatening telephone calls were received at the station, the journalists were followed by strangers in a car and flyers denigrating the reporters were […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 26 and 27 May 2005, reporters Mario Espinoza Ruiz, Ronald Ripa Casafranca and Nilo Gonzáles Domínguez, of Radio Panorama station, were the target of a number of intimidating acts. Threatening telephone calls were received at the station, the journalists were followed by strangers in a car and flyers denigrating the reporters were distributed in the city of Andahuaylas, Apurímac region, in southeastern Peru.
The journalists do not know who is responsible for these actions. However, they pointed out that they began receiving threats after they started investigating alleged irregularities committed by the director of the city’s Local Educational Administrative Unit (Unidad de Gestión Educativa Local), Liceo Truyenque Aréstegui, after complaints by some of the region’s teachers.
The journalists told IPYS that on 26 May they interviewed the government employee, who denied all accusations. The flyers insulting the journalists were distributed that same afternoon. According to Gonzáles, they were then followed by unknown individuals in a van that same night. On 27 May, they received death threats via a number of calls made to the station.
When consulted by IPYS, Truyenque Aréstegui denied any involvement in the threats. He also stated that the journalists have personal interests that are motivating their accusations against his administration. The journalists intend to file a complaint with the police.
