(SPP/IFEX) – The following is a 13 July 2004 SPP press release: SPP condemns vice-president’s threat to launch legal action against journalist The Paraguay Journalists’ Union (Sindicato de Periodistas del Paraguay, SPP) has criticised Vice-president Luis Castiglioni for threatening and attempting to intimidate journalist Jorge Torres. Castiglioni announced that he was planning to launch legal […]
(SPP/IFEX) – The following is a 13 July 2004 SPP press release:
SPP condemns vice-president’s threat to launch legal action against journalist
The Paraguay Journalists’ Union (Sindicato de Periodistas del Paraguay, SPP) has criticised Vice-president Luis Castiglioni for threatening and attempting to intimidate journalist Jorge Torres.
Castiglioni announced that he was planning to launch legal action for defamation against Torres. In an article published in Última Hora newspaper on 12 July, the journalist reported that in 1997 the D y C Ingeniería consortium was contracted by the Ericson transnational company and paid USD7,500,000 to install equipment for the state telephone company, Copaco. At the time, the vice-president was a shareholder in D y C Ingeniería.
The SPP condemns this attack on freedom of expression and the press. The organisation is concerned that the vice-president’s announcement amounts to a threat and pressuring tactic against journalists.
Given that the vice-president’s conduct is under scrutiny, Castiglioni should respond to concerns regarding his actions via the appropriate legal channels.
The SPP condemns all attempts by government officials to hinder the distribution of information. The attack against both the newspaper and Torres amounts to a case of prior censorship, in contradiction of the Constitution and international treaties, including the American Convention on Human Rights. The SPP calls on government officials to respect democratic principles.
Asunción, 13 July 2004
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Miguel H. López
Secretary-General
