Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has accused media outlets of plotting a coup, following a government investigation into Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez. The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned her claims and demanded her support for press freedom. Also criticized by various journalism associations, Boluarte’s statements come amid increased scrutiny of her administration, which faces allegations of corruption and low public approval ratings.
In a recent address, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte accused various media outlets of collaborating with the Attorney General’s office to instigate a coup against her government. This assertion followed the Attorney General’s order to search the residence of Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez, currently under investigation for abuse of power. President Boluarte specifically criticized the investigative program Cuarto Poder, which has reported on alleged corruption linked to her administration, including accusations against Santiváñez regarding bribery demands.
Boluarte expressed frustration that the program has persistently targeted her since the beginning of her presidency, stating that its “false news” is often disseminated by other media as well. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged Boluarte to retract her claims and foster an environment where journalists can operate without fear of reprisal. Cristina Zahar, CPJ’s Latin America coordinator, emphasized the need for public officials to accept press criticism without making unfounded allegations against independent news outlets.
Additionally, the Lima-based Institute for Press and Society and the National Association of Journalists of Peru condemned Boluarte’s statements, labeling them among her most serious assaults on the media since she took office in December 2022. Since then, Boluarte has faced intensified scrutiny, particularly after being investigated for alleged illicit enrichment linked to her wearing of luxury watches in public, with her job approval rating plummeting to 3% in a November poll.
Efforts by CPJ to obtain comments from the presidential press office regarding these accusations remain unanswered.
The situation in Peru highlights tensions between the government and the press, as President Boluarte’s accusations against media outlets have sparked significant backlash from journalist organizations and press advocates. Calls for greater tolerance of media criticism emphasize the necessity for safeguarding press freedoms. Balancing governmental accountability and press integrity remains crucial for the Peruvian democracy.
Original Source: cpj.org
