Since the beginning of aggressions along the Peru-Ecuador border, Peruvian authorities have obstructed the work the international press. The foreign press corps has been excluded from two press conferences given by Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori. According to the Association for the Foreign Press in Peru (APEP), which represents 80 foreign correspondents accredited to report in […]
Since the beginning of aggressions along the Peru-Ecuador border,
Peruvian authorities have obstructed the work the international
press. The foreign press corps has been excluded from two press
conferences given by Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori.
According to the Association for the Foreign Press in Peru
(APEP), which represents 80 foreign correspondents accredited to
report in the country, trips organized for foreign press pools
were cancelled on two occasions. On 4 February 1995, one such
trip was called off without explanation only a few minutes before
departure by military command and its head, General Nicolas
Hermoza. Similarly, on 5 February, foreign journalists were
banned from going on a press trip organized on behalf of
President Fujimori.
Foreign correspondents have been denied access to the area of
conflict, and are obliged to report from Peruvian military bases
located dozens of kilometres away. In Ecuador, the international
press was given immediate authorization to report from the border
area, and has thereby been able to cover developments in the
conflict.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the Peruvian President:
asking that he do everything in his power to allow the
international press unhindered access to the areas of conflict
Appeals To
Ing. Alberto Fujimori Fujimori
President of the Republic of Peru
Palacio de Gobierno
Plaza de Armas
Lima 1, Peru
Fax: +5114 337020 or +5114 326535
