(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) – On 30 April 2004, PERIODISTAS submitted an amicus curiae brief in support of journalist Diane Gagliano, director of the “Multiflores” community-based newspaper. Amicus curiae briefs are submitted in support of legal cases that are in progress. In November 2003, Gagliano began to receive e-mail messages in which she was threatened for her investigative […]
(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) – On 30 April 2004, PERIODISTAS submitted an amicus curiae brief in support of journalist Diane Gagliano, director of the “Multiflores” community-based newspaper. Amicus curiae briefs are submitted in support of legal cases that are in progress.
In November 2003, Gagliano began to receive e-mail messages in which she was threatened for her investigative work, the majority of which focuses on human rights violations committed under Argentina’s last dictatorship. “Admiral Massera”, reportedly the name of a former military leader, appears among those who signed the messages. In addition, two individuals went to Gagliano’s house one day and later sent her a messages saying, “We visited you.”
In December, Gagliano filed a complaint about the threats. PERIODISTAS, which has followed her case since the beginning, has now supported her complaint by submitting an amicus curiae brief. In the brief, the organisation stated that the threats against the journalist jeopardise press freedom, freedom of expression and the right to be informed.
Prior to the submission of the PERIODISTAS amicus curiae brief, the online news agency Indymedia Argentina (http://www.argentina.indymedia.org) published information about possible links between the threats against Gagliano and individuals involved in repressive actions under Argentina’s dictatorship.
In a press release, PERIODISTAS said that the justice system should do everything possible to advance the investigation of the case. The organisation believes that the Gagliano case highlights the “important work carried out by ‘alternative’ media outlets, which face threats and attacks for investigating and disseminating information that is not reported by mass media outlets.”
