Sign up for our free daily newsletter
YOUR PRIVACY - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY DATA PROTECTION STATEMENT
Below we explain how we will communicate with you. We set out how we use your data in our Privacy Policy.
Global City Media, and its associated brands will use the lawful basis of legitimate interests to use
the
contact details you have supplied to contact you regarding our publications, events, training,
reader
research, and other relevant information. We will always give you the option to opt out of our
marketing.
By clicking submit, you confirm that you understand and accept the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
Rogelio Peláez – editor of the monthly news magazine Larga Vista – was convicted a few weeks ago of defaming a lawyer, whom he accused of over-charging the La Paz government while advising on social security matters.
Protests
The case has triggered protests from global press freedom groups, with the Vienna-based International Press Institute maintaining the Peláez verdict, ‘underscores the urgency with which Bolivia must revisit its criminal defamation laws’.
The institute’s press freedom manager, Anthony Mills, said: ‘In no instance should a journalist be sent to prison for investigating matters of public interest. We strongly condemn the sentence in Mr Peláez’s case, which has the potential to lead to self-censorship among the wider media. Ultimately, Bolivia’s criminal-defamation law poses a threat to a people’s right to information, and we urge the government to consider its repeal.’
The Peláez case follows a February ruling in Colombia, when an 18-month prison sentence was upheld for a journalist convicted of slandering a former senator.
Protests
The case has triggered protests from global press freedom groups, with the Vienna-based International Press Institute maintaining the Peláez verdict, ‘underscores the urgency with which Bolivia must revisit its criminal defamation laws’.
The institute’s press freedom manager, Anthony Mills, said: ‘In no instance should a journalist be sent to prison for investigating matters of public interest. We strongly condemn the sentence in Mr Peláez’s case, which has the potential to lead to self-censorship among the wider media. Ultimately, Bolivia’s criminal-defamation law poses a threat to a people’s right to information, and we urge the government to consider its repeal.’
The Peláez case follows a February ruling in Colombia, when an 18-month prison sentence was upheld for a journalist convicted of slandering a former senator.
Email your news and story ideas to: [email protected]
