Peru’s President Accuses Media of Coup Plotting Amidst Corruption Allegations

Peru’s President Dina Boluarte has accused media outlets of plotting a coup against her government. Following an investigation into her Interior Minister, she criticized Cuarto Poder for its critical reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists has called for her to retract these statements and promote media freedom, echoing concerns from leading press organizations in Peru.

President Dina Boluarte of Peru has alleged that certain media outlets are collaborating with the Attorney General’s office in a conspiracy to undermine her government. Following a search warrant issued for Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez, who is under investigation for abuse of power, Boluarte specifically criticized the investigative program Cuarto Poder for its critical coverage of her administration, particularly regarding claims of corruption.

In a recent address, Boluarte accused Cuarto Poder of relentless harassment, asserting that the program has spread “false news” that is further disseminated by other media outlets. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged the president to retract her statements and embrace a more tolerant stance towards media criticism, calling her remarks an attack on press freedom.

Esteemed advocacy groups, including the Institute for Press and Society and the National Association of Journalists of Peru, have condemned Boluarte’s comments. These organizations regard the president’s accusations as an alarming escalation in her conflict with the press since taking office in December 2022, coinciding with her declining approval rating, now at 3% according to a recent poll.

In conclusion, President Dina Boluarte’s allegations against the media reflect a troubling relationship between her administration and independent journalism in Peru. The calls for her to retract these statements and foster an environment conducive to press freedom underscore the importance of responsible governance and a free press in a democratic society. The response from protective organizations highlights the need for public officials to tolerate media scrutiny rather than retaliate against it.

Original Source: cpj.org