(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) – On 15 November 2001, National Member of Parliament (MP) for the Justicialista Party Norma Godoy threatened reporters of the programme Puntodoc/2, who wanted to interview her about a baby trafficking case in which she is allegedly implicated. “You deserve two ‘itakazos’ [shots from an Itaka shotgun]. You should be blown to pieces because […]
(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) – On 15 November 2001, National Member of Parliament (MP) for the Justicialista Party Norma Godoy threatened reporters of the programme Puntodoc/2, who wanted to interview her about a baby trafficking case in which she is allegedly implicated.
“You deserve two ‘itakazos’ [shots from an Itaka shotgun]. You should be blown to pieces because you are sons of bitches,” the MP said to Daniel Otero, the programme’s producer, and the cameraman who was accompanying him. Godoy’s statements were captured by a hidden camera and the recording was broadcast on the evening of Thursday 15 November on the Azul Television station programme hosted by Daniel Tognetti and Rolando Graña.
Puntodoc/2 had reported on the contents of the “Cigarretta Case” legal file, which involves a couple whose newborn baby was taken away from them. The case is being presided by Judge Pedro Hooft of Mar Del Plata, who is trying to ascertain the existence of an organisation that steals newborn babies from their parents and subsequently sells them.
Documents in the Cigarretta case include transcripts of telephone calls between a nurse who was present at the baby’s birth and a foundation headed by Godoy, as well as witnesses’ testimony alleging the MP is involved in the unlawful registration of children.
In a press release, PERIODISTAS urged parliamentary authorities to look into the matter. In the organisation’s opinion, the MP’s brutal attitude towards journalists is unacceptable, particularly given the fact that she was elected to attend to the public’s concerns and needs.
Recommended Action
Send letters of support for Otero and Puntodoc/2’s other employees to:
Cuatro Cabezas Production Company
Producers of the programme Puntodoc/2
Tel: +4784 2600
Send appeals to the president of the Members of Parliament Chamber:
– urging all the legislators to examine the accusations against Godoy
Appeals To
Rafael Pascual
President of the Members of Parliament Chamber
Tel: +4370 7100
E-mail: correo.presidencia@hcdn.gov.ar
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
