About IFEX:

News by region:

IFEX Campaigns and Advocacy:

IFEX Email Products:

Opportunities and assistance:

Alert

Journalist speaks out against intimidation tactic used by judge

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 25 August 2009, Genaro Alvarado Tuesta, a journalist for the daily "La República", informed IPYS of the intimidation tactics being used by Judge Aristóteles Álvarez López, the head of the Magistrates Control Office (Oficina Desconcentrada de Control de la Magistratura, ODECMA) in the city of Iquitos, Loreto region, northeastern Peru. The journalist said the judge has sent two letters to "La República" calling for a correction after the daily published a story about him.

On 14 August, "La República" published an article about Álvarez stating that he had failed to comply with his official duties. The newspaper's information was based on documents from a judiciary administrative resolution and on statements made by Loreto Superior Court President Roger Cabrera Paredes. On 15 August, Álvarez sent a letter to the newspaper calling for a correction and accusing it of defaming him.

"La República" responded by once again quoting the legal resolution and criticising the judge's failure to comply with it. On 20 August, Álvarez sent a second letter demanding a correction of the newspaper's answer. The newspaper, however, has not complied with the judge's requests and, on the contrary, regards Álvarez's letters as an intimidation tactic.