Untimely closure of radio programme

(FIP/IFEX) – After 28 years and 10 months of uninterrupted broadcasting on Radio “El Sol”, journalist and opposition Member of Congress Antonio Llerena Marotti, host of the news programme “El Sol en la Noticia” (“The Sun in the News”), was fired by way of a lawyer’s letter on 31 May 1999. The letter, which was […]

(FIP/IFEX) – After 28 years and 10 months of uninterrupted broadcasting on
Radio “El Sol”, journalist and opposition Member of Congress Antonio Llerena
Marotti, host of the news programme “El Sol en la Noticia” (“The Sun in the
News”), was fired by way of a lawyer’s letter on 31 May 1999. The letter,
which was signed by Miguel Quevedo Carrillo, the radio station’s
administrator, cited business reasons as the only motivation for Llerena
Marotti’s dismissal.

The journalist denounced his dismissal, claiming that there is something
else behind the decision to close down his programme, on which he had
broadcast harsh criticism of the Fujimori government. “Once more, the public
has been informed that freedom of the press does not exist in the country,
nor are media outlets which tell the truth and denounce irregularities
wanted”, stated Llerena Marotti.

When Llerena Marotti learned that his contract with the radio station had
been broken, he sent the radio station administrator a lawyer’s letter,
dated 1 June,
asking him to arrange for the payment of his dismissal settlement, his
social benefits, and his certificate of employment. He also demanded his
immediate reinstatement in accordance with Article 72 of Legislative Decree
No. 728, of the Promotion of Employment Law.

Recommended Action

Señor Doctor Pedro Flores Polo

Minster of Labour

Ministry of Labour

Fax: +00 51 14 33 7020

Señor Miguel Quevedo Carrillo

Station Administrator Radio El Sol Promotora Siglo XX S.A.

Fax: +00 51 14 31 0478
Señor Doctor Jorge Santistevan De Noriega

Ombudsman

Office of the Ombudsman

Fax: +00 51 14 26 7889