Peru / Americas

  
This photo of Hugo Bustíos Saavedra was taken minutes before he was killed. Daniel Urresti Elera has been on trial for his alleged role in the murder. (Caretas)

Timeline: The 35-year road to justice for murdered journalist Hugo Bustíos Saavedra

When Hugo Bustíos Saavedra was killed in 1988, Peru’s government was embroiled in conflict with leftist guerilla groups, many civil liberties had been suspended, and efforts to seek justice in the journalist’s death seemed futile. CPJ and other press freedom groups unsuccessfully tried for years to pressure Peru’s government to investigate Bustíos’ murder, including by asking…

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Peru’s Manuel Calloquispe faces threats and assaults to expose environmental damage from illegal Amazon mining

Manuel Calloquispe has had to face an angry mob laying siege to his house. He’s been called a traitor. He’s been punched and kicked by miners and had his equipment stolen. He once had to duck for cover when someone threw a machete at him. The reason: His decade reporting on the environmental havoc caused…

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‘An accumulation of lies’: Right-wing group La Resistencia stokes anti-press fervor in Peru

Journalist Gustavo Gorriti remembers the days — just a few years ago — when people on the streets of Lima approached him to congratulate him for exposing corrupt government officials, drug trafficking mafias, and human rights abusers. A few even asked him to pose for selfies. These days, though, motorists shout insults at him from…

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Peruvian outlet IDL-Reporteros targeted by protests, death threats from right-wing group

Bogotá, May 10, 2023 – Peruvian authorities must take seriously the recent threats made to the investigative news website IDL-Reporteros and hold those responsible for harassing the outlet to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. On May 5, about 50 protesters with the right-wing political group La Resistencia gathered at IDL-Reporteros’ office in…

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This photo of Hugo Bustíos Saavedra was taken minutes before he was killed. Daniel Urresti Elera has been on trial for his alleged role in the murder. (Caretas)

CPJ welcomes conviction in 1988 murder of Peruvian journalist Hugo Bustíos

Bogotá, April 14, 2023—A Peruvian court on Thursday, April 13, convicted Daniel Urresti—a former presidential candidate, interior minister, and congressman—and sentenced him to 12 years in prison for his role in the 1988 murder of journalist Hugo Bustíos, news reports said. Urresti, 66, a retired army general, was convicted of taking part in an ambush…

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Protesters surround homes of Peruvian journalists Gustavo Gorriti and Rosa María Palacios

Bogotá, February 22, 2023 – Peruvian authorities must investigate the harassment of journalists Gustavo Gorriti and Rosa María Palacios and take steps to protect members of the press covering political protests and corruption scandals, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. On Tuesday, February 21, at least 20 protesters gathered in front of the homes…

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Peruvian journalist Manuel Calloquispe harassed, threatened over protest coverage

Bogotá, February 3, 2022 – Peruvian authorities must investigate the recent harassment of journalist Manuel Calloquispe, ensure his safety, and take steps to protect members of the press covering political protests, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On January 27, a group of about 200 protesters surrounded Calloquispe’s home in the eastern town of…

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More than a dozen journalists harassed, attacked during week of anti-government protests in Peru

Bogotá, January 24, 2023 – More than a dozen journalists have been harassed, attacked, or injured amid protests in the Peruvian capital of Lima since January 19, according to media reports, journalists who spoke with CPJ, and Adriana León, spokesperson for the Lima-based Institute for Press and Society (IPYS), who communicated with CPJ via messaging…

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Two Peruvian journalists injured in hit-and-run

Bogotá, January 11, 2023 — Peruvian authorities must thoroughly investigate a hit-and-run that injured journalists Luis Angulo and Pablo Torres and determine whether the attackers targeted them for their reporting, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. Torres, a reporter for the independent TV and radio station La Ribareña, and Angulo, the outlet’s co-owner, had…

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Dozens of journalists harassed, injured amid Peru protests

Bogotá, January 11, 2023 – In response to reports that more than 70 journalists have been harassed and attacked amid anti-government protests in Peru, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement calling for authorities to ensure reporters’ safety: “We are alarmed by the dozens of attacks on journalists in Peru covering anti-government protests,”…

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