(IAPA/IFEX) – On 11 June 1998, the Legislative Assembly’s Special Permanent Commission on Drugtrafficking ordered the director of “La Nacion”, Eduardo Ulibarri, and journalists Berlioth Herrera and Giannina Segnini to appear before it in order to answer questions about a report that appeared in the daily’s 1 June edition. The Commission also requested the recordings […]
(IAPA/IFEX) – On 11 June 1998, the Legislative Assembly’s Special Permanent
Commission on Drugtrafficking ordered the director of “La Nacion”, Eduardo
Ulibarri, and journalists Berlioth Herrera and Giannina Segnini to appear
before it in order to answer questions about a report that appeared in the
daily’s 1 June edition. The Commission also requested the recordings of
interviews and other documentation that served as the basis for the report.
The report reveals business links between a leading member of the Cali drug
cartel and a Colombian citizen who is a shareholder in a company in which
the current president of the Legislative Assembly, Luis Fishman, was once
involved. Appearing before the Commission, which is in charge of these sorts
of cases, Fishman denied having knowledge of any links between the two
individuals.
During questioning by the Commission’s members, the journalists were not
permitted to respond in a collective manner. As well, they were kept under
the watch of security personnel during the interrogation.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
Legislative Assembly to question the journalists with “La Nacion”
such as freedom of expression, that are contained in various international
treaties of which Costa Rica is a signatory, the procedure of the Commission
runs contrary to what is set down in them
Nacion” goes against the precept of journalistic confidentiality, since
journalists have the right to protect their sources of information
outlets in the future, so as to safeguard press freedom and the right of the
public to information
Appeals To
Dr. Jose Maria Figueres Olsen
President of the Republic of Costa Rica
Casa Presidencial
Apartado 10089
1000 San Jose, Costa Rica
Fax: +506 253 9078Lic. Maureen Clark
Interior Minister
Ministerio de Gobernacion y Policia
Apartado 10006
1000 San Jose, Costa Rica
Fax: +506 253 6243
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
