On 25 August 1996, Monsignor Luis Cipriani, Bishop of the department of Ayacucho, called for “mechanisms” to be put in place to control — “without hindering freedom of expression” — the media’s reporting. These mechanisms would be administered through Peru’s consumer protection agency INDECOPI and the federal Ombudsman. “News is a product,” (“La noticia es […]
On 25 August 1996, Monsignor Luis Cipriani, Bishop of the
department of Ayacucho, called for “mechanisms” to be put in place
to control — “without hindering freedom of expression” — the
media’s reporting. These mechanisms would be administered through
Peru’s consumer protection agency INDECOPI and the federal
Ombudsman.
“News is a product,” (“La noticia es un producto”) according to
Cipriani, who feels it should be submitted through quality
controls just like advertising. He said some news reports engender
a kind of “violence” in the country, saying certain media promote
this violence of “lies” (“mentira”), “suspicion” (“sospecha”) and
“libel” (“calumnia”). Said Cipriani, “This violence is much graver
since it attacks the dignity and honour of individuals, simply
because it is backed by the power of the media.” (“Esta violencia
es mucho mas grave porque atenta contra la dignidad y el honor de
las personas, simplemente por tener el poder de los medios de
comunicacion”.) Because of this, the bishop feels it is within the
federal Ombudsman’s purview to act, since according to him this
media-generated violence creates conflict in the country and
inhibits peace between Peruvians.
The bishop’s statements were made during a mass attended by mayors
participating in the Fourth National Congress of the Association
of Municipalities (IV Congreso Nacional Extraordinario de la
Asociacion de Municipalidades) held in Ayacucho. IPYS is concerned
at his statements, as they come at a time when the government is
considering restrictions on the media.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to President Fujimori and Monsignor Cipriani:
imperil freedom of expression
Appeals To
Ing. Alberto Fujimori Fujimori
President
Palacio de Gobierno
Plaza de Armas
Lima 1, Peru
Fax: +511 4266770 (or +511 4266535 via presidential press office)
Monsignor Luis Cipriani
Bishop of Ayacucho
Ayacucho, Peru
Fax: +51 64 917134
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
