(IPYS/IFEX) – On Thursday 6 April 2000, Hernán Carrion de la Cruz, director of the news programme “Ancash en la noticia” broadcast on Radio Ancash, issued a statement published in the daily “La Industria de Chimbote” denouncing the fact that an unknown individual had attempted to shoot him from a vehicle. The journalist, who states […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On Thursday 6 April 2000, Hernán Carrion de la Cruz, director of the news programme “Ancash en la noticia” broadcast on Radio Ancash, issued a statement published in the daily “La Industria de Chimbote” denouncing the fact that an unknown individual had attempted to shoot him from a vehicle.
The journalist, who states that he has been the target of constant anonymous threatening telephone calls, reported that the incident occurred on Monday 3 April at approximately 7:00 p.m. (local time), near the corner of José Pardo Avenue and Guillermo Moore street, in the northern city of Chimbote.
According to “La Industria de Chimbote”, “a van with tinted windows followed the journalistâs vehicle for a number of blocks and then stopped by his right side. The window on the vanâs left hand side was slowly lowered and a hand holding a gun appeared. At that point, and even though the traffic light was red, Carrion De la Cruz stepped on the gas pedal and sped off”.
The journalist believes that this failed attempt is linked to his criticisms of the government. “I think the fact that we criticise the government and allow other opinions to be voiced has made someone uncomfortable,” he noted. He expressed his concern about the incident adding that on Wednesday 5 April he had again spotted the van that had followed him on Monday 3 April.
Carrion De la Cruz has filed a formal complaint with the Peruvian National Police, asking for an investigation of the incident and that those responsible be identified and punished accordingly. On 7 April, he asked the Provincia del Santa vice-prefect to provide protection for him and his family.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– asking for an extensive investigation of the incident, such that those responsible are identified and punished accordingly
– asking that the journalistâs safety be guaranteed
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:
Ing. Alberto Fujimori Fujimori
President of the Republic
Fax: +51 1 427 6722 / 426 6535
Jorge Santistevan de Noriega
Ombudsman
Fax: +51 1 426 6657
César Saucedo Sánchez
Minister of the Interior
Fax: +51 1 224 2405
Lieutenant General Fernando Dianderas Otonne
General Director of the Peruvian National Police
Fax: +51 1 225 1775
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
