On 6 April 2009, César Álvarez Aguilar, president of Ancash's Regional Government, once more accused the media and journalists in general of extortion, during the inauguration of two public works.
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 6 April 2009, César Álvarez Aguilar, president of Ancash’s Regional Government, once more accused the media and journalists in general of extortion, during the inauguration of two public works. Áncash is located in northwestern Peru. The official has been attacking the press since he took office in 2007.
Without providing any proof, Álvarez accused all journalists of accepting bribes and urged his supporters to refer in this way to all newspapers or journalists that do not highlight his work.
The attacks have provoked protests from civil society and journalists’ organizations, who have requested that Álvarez reveal to the judiciary which media outlets or journalists tried to extort money from him.
IPYS condemns the official’s comments and requests that he tolerate the press’s monitoring of public affairs.
