(SPP/IFEX) – The following is a 17 August 2000 SPP press release: ATTACKS AGAINST FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION Confronted with the possibility of an upsurge in political violence and the deterioration of the respect for such fundamental freedoms as freedom of expression and access to information, the SPP expresses its concern given the following: The attack […]
(SPP/IFEX) – The following is a 17 August 2000 SPP press release:
ATTACKS AGAINST FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Confronted with the possibility of an upsurge in political violence and the deterioration of the respect for such fundamental freedoms as freedom of expression and access to information, the SPP expresses its concern given the following:
The attack against Radio Ñandutí carried out during the protest by Argana’s supporters in front of the Electoral Courts, following preliminary electoral results, is an affront against press freedom and against a place of employment, causing undue anxiety among the radio station’s employees.
The SPP has been receiving a number of reports that journalists are being intimidated and threatened for the expression of their opinion. The Celso Aguilera case in Santaní and the censoring of reporter Darío Bareiro, of Radio La Voz de la Cordillera, are examples of a renewed hostile environment against media workers.
The verbal assaults by Senator Juan Carlos Galaverna, of the Colorado party, against the journalists who were reporting on the vote count at the Electoral Courts on Tuesday 15 August, are exemplary of some government officials’ arrogant attitude towards the media, when these media do nothing more than fulfill their role of providing the public with information.
These acts are dangerous signs of a renewed deterioration in the national climate, as a result of political absurdities and certain sectors’ interests which work against the stability and strengthening of the democratic process.
The SPP is watching these signs of a regression and the systematic attack of public freedoms, particularly freedom of expression, with great concern.
As it did during the most severe period of the Stroessner dictatorship, during the fascist political climate under General Oviedo and when abuses were committed by the government during the state of emergency, once again the SPP is warning of the danger of increased political violence and a risk of losing fundamental freedoms and rights.
The defense of public freedoms, human rights and the tolerance of ideas cannot be abandoned, and as such we are compelled to call for good sense and wisdom to prevail among national authorities, politicians, the media and the public. Let us set aside hostility and militancy, in favour of seeking to resolve conflicts via institutional channels.
The Board of Directors
Asuncion, 17 August 2000
