(PFC/IFEX) – Judge Juana Méndez has issued an order prohibiting journalist Eloísa Ibarra, of the “El Nuevo Diario” newspaper, from entering the Dirección de Auxilio Judicial (DAJ) police prison. Former president Arnoldo Alemán is currently being detained at the DAJ premises on corruption charges. On 22 October 2003, Judge Méndez visited the prison to return […]
(PFC/IFEX) – Judge Juana Méndez has issued an order prohibiting journalist Eloísa Ibarra, of the “El Nuevo Diario” newspaper, from entering the Dirección de Auxilio Judicial (DAJ) police prison. Former president Arnoldo Alemán is currently being detained at the DAJ premises on corruption charges. On 22 October 2003, Judge Méndez visited the prison to return to Alemán a mobile phone that had been confiscated by prison authorities the previous day. Although other journalists were allowed to report on the event, the “El Nuevo Diario” news team was told by a security official that Judge Méndez had issued an order barring Ibarra from the premises.
When questioned about the matter, the judge acknowledged having issued the order and argued that Ibarra “discredits the work we judges carry out honourably, under difficult conditions. We are often criticised and pressured and [this journalist] manipulates information.” Judge Méndez added that the order against Ibarra was not a personal matter and noted that all journalists should act professionally.
A 22 October article by Ibarra argued that judges strictly enforce the law in cases of ordinary citizens but grant certain privileges, such as the possession of a mobile phone, to individuals with more influence, like Alemán. The article reportedly angered Judge Méndez who is embroiled in a conflict with Interior Minister Eduardo Urcuyo over the mobile phone issue. Urcuyo had ordered the confiscation of Alemán’s phone, due to the problems this was creating with other prisoners who do not have such privileges.
In a letter to Alba Luz Ramos, chair of the judiciary, PFC protested the order against Ibarra. Judge Méndez “violated freedom of expression by overstepping her authority and arbitrarily deciding which journalists can and cannot report on judicial matters,” PFC said, while calling for disciplinary action against the judge.
For further information on the case, see:
http://portal-pfc.org/perseguidos/2003/139.html
