The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned President Boluarte’s claims that the media is conspiring against her. Boluarte’s accusations followed an investigation into her Interior Minister for corruption. CPJ and local journalists’ organizations have called for a retraction and stressed the importance of media independence in Peru amidst Boluarte’s declining approval ratings.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Peruvian President Dina Boluarte to withdraw her allegations that media outlets are conspiring to undermine her government. Boluarte made these claims following a search of Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez’s residence by the Attorney General’s office due to abuse of power allegations. She specifically attacked the investigative program Cuarto Poder for its reports on corruption within her administration, alleging that it has persistently targeted her since she assumed office.
In her speech, Boluarte expressed dissatisfaction with what she termed “bad press,” stating that it collaborates with the Attorney General’s office in a supposed coup plot against her leadership. CPJ’s Latin America coordinator, Cristina Zahar, has emphasized the necessity for Boluarte to retract her dangerous claims and advocate for press freedom, asserting that government officials must accept media scrutiny without resorting to unfounded accusations.
The president’s recent statements regarding the media have drawn strong rebukes from both the Institute for Press and Society and the National Association of Journalists of Peru, marking them as the most serious accusations against the press since her term began in December 2022. This scrutiny has intensified particularly following Boluarte’s investigation for alleged illicit enrichment linked to her public display of luxury items.
Despite the rising tension, attempts to obtain a response from Boluarte’s press office yielded no answers. The growing concern surrounding media freedom and government accountability continues to be a pressing issue in Peru, as President Boluarte’s approval ratings have plummeted to just 3 percent, indicating significant public discontent with her administration.
In conclusion, President Dina Boluarte’s accusations against the media have ignited controversy, prompting calls for a retraction and greater media tolerance. The CPJ advocates for a conducive atmosphere for journalistic work, highlighting the critical importance of protecting press freedoms. The response from reputable journalist organizations underscores the need for transparent governance in Peru, especially amid ongoing investigations into the administration’s integrity.
Original Source: cpj.org
