(SPP/IFEX) – The following is a 22 May 2000 SPP letter to President Luis Ángel González Macchi: Asuncion 22 May 2000 President of the Republic Luis Ángel González Macchi Paraguay’s Union of Journalists (Sindicato de Periodistas del Paraguay-SPP) addresses you through this medium for the purpose of expressing its great concern over the application of […]
(SPP/IFEX) – The following is a 22 May 2000 SPP letter to President Luis Ángel González Macchi:
Asuncion
22 May 2000
President of the Republic
Luis Ángel González Macchi
Paraguay’s Union of Journalists (Sindicato de Periodistas del Paraguay-SPP) addresses you through this medium for the purpose of expressing its great concern over the application of the State of Emergency (article 288 of the National Consitution) as decreed by the executive power with the agreement of the Legislature, and which, in its execution, puts at risk the fundamental principle of freedom of expression.
We oppose any act which attacks institutions and democracy, and therefore, we condemn the recent insurrectionist exploits of fascist groups and supporters of [former General Lino] Oviedo. However, that being said, we still maintain that neither such risks nor any other reason of force can justify restricting freedom of expression, which is guaranteed by the Magna Carta and upheld in international conventions ratified by Paraguay.
We consider the detention of journalist Hugo Ruiz Olazar as a dangerous indication of an attack against press freedom. The SPP has profound differences with Hugo Ruiz Olazar with respect to responsible and ethical practice in journalism, as this colleague has defended the Lino Oviedo insurrection through journalistic reports which have often manipulated the facts. In spite of these differences, we maintain that there are no common press felonies – except those which are committed against the press – and that no one can be convicted for their opinions or restricted in the exercise of free expression. Furthermore we note that once the corresponding investigations and clarifications with respect to the existing accusations are made, and the causes and irrefutable proof of responsibility for the imputed felonies are discovered, the justice system will determine the penalties that apply, and not the executive power.
We further assert that the State of Emergency is not a tool for the government to use against the media, as in the Radio Asuncion case. The radio station’s installations were dismantled because of the owners’ position in defence of Oviedo. If these people committed penal felonies (that is, if their participation in the latest attempted coup is proven) then the rigour of the law should be applied through the competent authorities. However, the medium of communication – the source of employment for many people- should be preserved, as is guaranteed by the Constitution.
We express similar concerns over the cases of Radio Yvytyruzú FM of Villarrica, which according to preliminary information, has run into the same fate; and Alber Robles, a correspondent for Ultima Hora in Caazapá, who was detained and then released this weekend.
The National Constitution defines that the State of Emergency “…will not interrupt the function of the powers of the State, the validity of this Constitution, nor, specifically, the right of habeas corpus”. In this regard, Article 26 of the Magna Carta also guarantees freedom of expression and of the press, and stipulates that “…no law will be dictated that nullifies or restricts…” those rights.
Mr. President, the SPP is on alert and is observing vigilantly the course of events arising out of the application of the State of Emergency; and we will not curtail our efforts in determining national and international actions in defence of press freedom and freedom of information in Paraguay. We will not passively sit by and risk that through the pretence of safeguarding institutional stability in the face of Oviedista fascism, the opportunity will be used to overstep the powers of the executive and, as a consequence, damage inalienable rights. Also, we will not consent to the incurring of the same totalitarian attitudes which are reminiscent of the ill-fated dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner and which must be fought against.
We demand that constitutional guarantees and rights be respected; that the public be informed of all of the reasons for the actions taken in the cases cited above; and that the principles of democracy be put before any other motive.
Without further ado,
Yours sincerely,
Miguel H. Lopez
Assistant Secretary General
Julio Venegas Vidallet
Secretary General
Recommended Action
Similar appeals can be sent to:
Luis Ángel González Macchi
President of the Republic
Palacio de Lopez
El Paraguayo Independiente y Ayolas
Asuncion, Paraguay
Fax: +595 21 442 777
Webpage: http://www.presidencia.gov.py
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