(IPYS/IFEX) – On 21 August 1998, public prosecutor José Ochoa Lamas began a criminal investigation against journalist César Hildebrandt Perez Trevino, prompted by the complaint filed against the journalist by Santiago Sanguinetti. According to IPYS, Sanguinetti is an unusual figure who has filed several similar legal cases. The complaint is based on the broadcast of […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 21 August 1998, public prosecutor José Ochoa
Lamas began a criminal investigation against journalist César
Hildebrandt Perez Trevino, prompted by the complaint filed against
the journalist by Santiago Sanguinetti. According to IPYS,
Sanguinetti is an unusual figure who has filed several similar
legal cases. The complaint is based on the broadcast of a
supposedly confidential piece of information given by Foreign
Affairs Minister Eduardo Ferrero Costa to a closed session of
Congress. Sanguinetti argues the broadcast was an offence against
national security, and constituted espionage and treason.
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 21 August 1998**
On 24 August, Ochoa Lamas asked the police to investigate
Hildebrandt on charges of treason and espionage. He also summoned
Sanguinetti for Friday 28 August at 10:00 a.m. (local time) to
confirm his charges. Hildebrandt will then be asked to give a
statement next week. Ochoa Lamas will reportedly also summon
members of Congress Martha Chávez, Ricardo Marcenaro and Gilberto
Siura to give statements on what was addressed during the closed
session of Congress.
Background Information
Sanguinetti filed a complaint against Hildebrandt, anchor of the
Channel 13 television news programme “En Persona”, for having
broadcast information which he alleges was only for the
consumption of legislators present during a 4 August closed
session of Congress. In the session, Ferrero reported on the
incursion of 300 Ecuatorian troops into Peruvian territory.
Sanguinetti claims the broadcast violated Congress’s internal
regulations and “served the interests of Ecuador” (see IFEX
alerts).
Sanguinetti — who, according to IPYS, has filed several unusual
charges against public opposition figures and as a result is
widely thought to be associated with national intelligence —
affirms it is likely Hildebrandt received the report from a member
of Congress. The investigation will also attempt to identify which
legislator leaked the information.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities below:
that he was only carrying out his professional duty to inform
Appeals To
Miguel Aljovin Swayne
Attorney General
Lima, Peru
Fax: +511 4264429 / 4262474National Police of Peru General Fernando Dianderas
Director General of the Police
Lima, Peru
Fax: +511 2251775Dr. Marco Ibazeta
President of the Supreme Court
Lima, Peru
Fax: +511 4279951
