Peru’s President Accuses Media of Coup Plots, Faces Backlash from Journalists

Dina Boluarte, the President of Peru, has accused the media of attempting a coup against her government, particularly targeting the investigative news program Cuarto Poder. The Committee to Protect Journalists and other journalism bodies have criticized her remarks, urging for a retraction and greater tolerance for press freedom. This situation arises amid ongoing investigations into her administration and low public approval ratings.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) calls upon Peruvian President Dina Boluarte to withdraw her claims that media outlets are conspiring to undermine her government. Following an investigation into Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez for abuse of power, Boluarte accused the press, particularly the program Cuarto Poder, of collaborating with the Attorney General’s office to orchestrate a coup. She alleged that Cuarto Poder has consistently harassed her since she assumed office, citing instances of fabricated news presented by other media outlets.

Cristina Zahar, CPJ’s Latin America coordinator, expressed that President Boluarte should retract her unfounded allegations against the media and create an environment conducive to journalistic freedom without fear of retaliation. The Institute for Press and Society and the National Association of Journalists of Peru also condemned Boluarte’s statements, deeming them the most serious accusations against the press during her tenure beginning in December 2022.

Since being investigated for illicit enrichment, particularly regarding her public display of luxury Rolex watches, Boluarte’s government has received heightened scrutiny from the press. In a November poll, her job approval rating plummeted to a mere 3%. The CPJ has not received any response from the presidential press office regarding their inquiries on this matter.

In summary, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte’s accusations against the media have ignited significant backlash from journalism organizations and the Committee to Protect Journalists. Calls for her to retract such statements emphasize the necessity for a free and unencumbered press in a democratic society. The ongoing scrutiny of her administration, coupled with her low approval rating, reflects the tension between government authority and media oversight in Peru.

Original Source: cpj.org