(SPP/IFEX) – The following is a 24 September 2001 SPP press release: SPP condemns court ruling that undermines freedom of expression The Paraguay Union of Journalists (Sindicato de Periodistas del Paraguay, SPP) expressed deep concern over the sentencing of fellow journalist Telmo Ibáñez, correspondent for the daily ABC in Concepcion. The verdict was handed down […]
(SPP/IFEX) – The following is a 24 September 2001 SPP press release:
SPP condemns court ruling that undermines freedom of expression
The Paraguay Union of Journalists (Sindicato de Periodistas del Paraguay, SPP) expressed deep concern over the sentencing of fellow journalist Telmo Ibáñez, correspondent for the daily ABC in Concepcion. The verdict was handed down on Friday 21 September 2001 during an oral trial, which was held at the Concepcion city court, in Paraguay’s First Department.
Ibáñez was convicted of aggravated defamation in a case brought forward by the city’s municipal authorities, in connection with the journalist’s articles. The journalist will have to pay a fine of 19 million guaraníes (approx. US$4,500), in addition to the lawyers’ fees, which have yet to be determined.
Municipal counsellors Andrés Villalba, Eulogio Echagüe and Blas Cáceres, members of the Colorado Party, the ruling national party, filed the complaint against Telmo Ibáñez after a number of the journalist’s articles were published in May. One article in particular, referring to the administration’s unlawful activities and based on the conclusions of an investigation by the National Treasury Inspector’s Office, led to the complaint.
Given the aforementioned, the SPP:
1. Believes that the verdict is a clear threat to journalistic investigation and reporting that seeks transparency in national authorities’ management. Furthermore, the sentence sets a dangerous precedent that infringes on freedom of expression and information, and puts the country in a precarious situation by potentially violating the Constitution and international human rights conventions ratified by Paraguay.
2. Condemns the systematic persecution of a number of journalists in the Concepcion region over the past few weeks – and increasingly so in the past few days – by high ranking civil servants of the local municipality, because of the journalists’ articles.
3. Rejects any attempt to restrict citizens’ right to information and expression and requests that the authorities, especially the judiciary, demonstrate integrity in their treatment of cases, such as that of fellow journalist Ibáñez, when there are doubts as to how balanced the judgement has been.
4. Reminds the national, regional and municipal authorities that their role as administrators of public matters exposes them to being both criticised and monitored by the public, a role that the press is obliged to fulfill.
5. Given what has already happened and the threat of more actions being taken against journalists in Concepcion, the SPP has filed a complaint and has informed freedom of expression organisations based in the Americas and elsewhere of this matter. The SPP also plans to carry out whatever action is needed to safeguard freedom of expression as a fundamental right, essential for the creation of a state of law.
Miguel H. Lopez
Human Rights and Labour Secretary
Alfredo Martínez
Secretary General
