(IPYS/IFEX) – According to IPYS, Martha Chavez, ex-President of Congress and a representative of the governing party, Nueva Mayoria-Cambio90, left open the possibility of placing limits on journalistic confidentiality. On 28 May 1998, member of Congress Chavez Cossio recommended opening a national debate to establish limits on journalists’ professional privilege. Chavez Cossio’s proposal was announced […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – According to IPYS, Martha Chavez, ex-President of Congress and
a representative of the governing party, Nueva Mayoria-Cambio90, left open
the possibility of placing limits on journalistic confidentiality. On 28 May
1998, member of Congress Chavez Cossio recommended opening a national debate
to establish limits on journalists’ professional privilege. Chavez Cossio’s
proposal was announced during the presentation of a report on telephone
espionage to politicians, journalists and businesspeople.
After having admitted that her commission could not find those in charge of
the alleged telephone interceptions due to a lack of proof, Chavez Cossio
changed the topic and recommended a debate to establish – if possible –
limits on professional privilege. In order to justify her proposal, she
questioned whether protecting journalistic sources could serve to hide
criminals. She noted as a case of misuse of professional privilege the
publication of forged documents, in which the source is not revealed by
journalists citing “confidentiality of informants.”
Journalists in Peru have the option, as in most democratic countries, to
call on professional confidentiality in order not to reveal their sources.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
based on the principle of maintaining professional privilege
Appeals To
Ing. Alberto Fujimori
President of the Republic
Palacio de Gobierno
Plaza de Armas
Lima 1, Peru
Fax: +511 4266770 (o Secretaria de Prensa +511 4266535)Carlos Torres y Torres Lara
Presiden of Congress
Lima, Peru
Fax: +511 4265053Dra. Martha Chavez Cossio
Member of Congress
Lima, Peru
Fax: +511 4265053
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
