(IPYS/IFEX) – On 30 June 1998, Attorney General Hugo Salvatierra heard testimony from Mirko Lauer, political columnist for the daily “La Republica,” who was one of the journalists whose telephone has been tapped. **See various IFEX alerts** Lauer testified for one hour in the office of the Attorney General, and the questions dealt with Lauer’s […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 30 June 1998, Attorney General Hugo Salvatierra heard
testimony from Mirko Lauer, political columnist for the daily “La
Republica,” who was one of the journalists whose telephone has been tapped.
**See various IFEX alerts**
Lauer testified for one hour in the office of the Attorney General, and the
questions dealt with Lauer’s daily column, “El Observador”, which is one of
the columns most critical of the government. Upon leaving the office, Lauer
stated that “the questions referred to publications in various dailies. He
asked me if I had written those statements, and nothing more.”
Background Information
The prosecutor who is responsible for the investigation has already heard
testimony from more than 100 people affected by the telephone tapping. He
undertook visual examinations in the offices of the telephone company
Telefonica and in several military establishments.
Salvatierra has monitored the case since June 1997, when he was named ad hoc
Attorney General, after accusations were made in the media about telephone
tapping of politicians and journalists. It is hoped that his report will be
finished by August 1998.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
Appeals To
Dr. Miguel Aljovin Swayne
Attorney General
Lima, Peru
Fax: +511 4264429 / 4262474
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
