(SPP/IFEX) – The following is a 14 May 2001 SPP press release: PARAGUAYAN JOURNALIST RECEIVES DEATH THREAT The Paraguay Union of Journalists (Sindicato de Periodistas del Paraguay, SPP) wishes to express its profound concern at the death threats directed against fellow journalist Séver Del Puerto, of Radio Cáritas. The journalist explained that he has been […]
(SPP/IFEX) – The following is a 14 May 2001 SPP press release:
PARAGUAYAN JOURNALIST RECEIVES DEATH THREAT
The Paraguay Union of Journalists (Sindicato de Periodistas del Paraguay, SPP) wishes to express its profound concern at the death threats directed against fellow journalist Séver Del Puerto, of Radio Cáritas. The journalist explained that he has been threatened as a result of his investigation into multimillion-dollar assaults that have occurred in the country, in which politicians close to the government and judges are implicated.
Our union calls on the national authorities to provide the highest protection for our colleague’s and his family’s physical and psychological well-being.
Fearing for his life, Del Puerto took refuge this afternoon (14 May 2001) in the Canal 9 television station, where he affirmed that he had written and audio-visual documentary proof of the crimes he has been investigating. Later he was placed in the custody of Prosecutor Julio Cesar Nissen.
The SPP will be on the alert as to the origins of the threats against Del Puerto.
Any attempt to impede the free exercise of responsible journalism and limit press freedom cannot be tolerated by our union. We invoke our constitutional guarantees in this matter and call for national and international action in response to this case.
14 May 2001
For the Board of Directors
Miguel H. Lopez
