(IPYS/IFEX) – On 14 July 2004, journalists Ronald Ripa Casafranca and José Carlos Arévalo Quijano, of Radio Panorama in Andahuaylas, publicly condemned a 13 July court order for the confiscation of photographic materials from the daily “El Tiempo”. The order was issued in connection with allegations that the newspaper’s director was distributing child pornography. The […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 14 July 2004, journalists Ronald Ripa Casafranca and José Carlos Arévalo Quijano, of Radio Panorama in Andahuaylas, publicly condemned a 13 July court order for the confiscation of photographic materials from the daily “El Tiempo”. The order was issued in connection with allegations that the newspaper’s director was distributing child pornography.
The journalists said that authorities had seized not only photo archives but also other documents and condemned the action as an attack on freedom of expression. Following the declaration, both journalists received a summons to appear on 26 and 27 July at the Andahuaylas Provincial Public Prosecutor’s Office, where they were questioned in relation to the investigation of “El Tiempo” director Julio Molero.
During the interview, the prosecutor showed Ripa a statement he said was made by “Ana Rosa”, a minor and Molero’s alleged victim. The statement identified Ripa as the prospective buyer of photographs of the girl in her underwear. Ripa told IPYS that he obtained the girl’s address, contacted her and recorded their conversation. The journalist said the girl denied having linked Ripa to the case and said she had never seen him before.
According to the Radio Panorama journalists, the authorities are trying to intimidate them because of the opinions they broadcast regarding the “El Tiempo” case. They say they will report the actions against them to freedom of expression entities and demand an investigation. Ripa’s lawyer plans to hand over the recording of “Ana Rosa”‘s statement to justice system officials, to aid in the investigation.
