Peru’s Press Under Siege: A Warning Sign for Democracy in Latin America
The number of journalists forced into exile from Latin America has surpassed 900 since 2018. This isn’t a slow erosion of press freedom; it’s a rapid dismantling, and Peru is quickly becoming ground zero. Hundreds of Peruvian journalists recently denounced escalating threats and dangerous working conditions, a stark indicator of a region where exposing corruption is increasingly met with intimidation, violence, and even death.
The Rising Tide of Attacks
Data from Peru’s press association (ANP) reveals a chilling trend: attacks against journalists, including death threats, have doubled since 2022. As of July 2024, the ANP has recorded 180 assaults on journalists and media outlets, and tragically, two journalists have been murdered. The aggressors aren’t random actors; they are overwhelmingly public officials – those actively under investigation for corruption, money laundering, and human rights violations. This isn’t coincidence; it’s a deliberate strategy to silence those holding power accountable.
Corruption and Impunity: A Deadly Combination
“Those currently in power have repeatedly shown that their only priority is impunity,” the statement released by Peruvian journalists declared. This sentiment is echoed by Milagros Salazar, an ICIJ member and director of the Peruvian investigative outlet Convoca. “There has been a strengthening of corruption and impunity networks of various politicians and figures being implicated in judicial investigations, and these cases were initially revealed by the press,” she explains. The press isn’t simply reporting on corruption; it’s actively disrupting it, making journalists targets in a dangerous game.
The Case of Gustavo Gorriti: A Veiled Threat
The recent case involving veteran investigative reporter Gustavo Gorriti exemplifies this escalating danger. Lima’s mayor, Rafael López Aliaga, publicly suggested Gorriti should be “taken,” a statement widely interpreted as a direct threat on his life. This wasn’t an isolated incident. The ANP reports López Aliaga has been implicated in 14 separate cases of press harassment in the first four months of 2024 alone.
Gorriti’s long-standing conflict with López Aliaga stems from 2017, when IDL-Reporteros, Gorriti’s outlet, exposed the mayor’s offshore companies through the Panama Papers. The investigation revealed questionable financial transactions and alleged fraudulent actions related to a business dispute. Even now, with a prosecutor’s office extending its investigation into suspected money laundering linked to the Panama Papers, López Aliaga dismisses the scrutiny as “political persecution” – a common tactic used to discredit investigative journalism.
The Weaponization of Rhetoric
Gorriti describes López Aliaga’s rhetoric as increasingly aggressive and demagogic, deliberately inciting hostility and violence against his opponents. “He’s been using an extremely aggressive, demagogic rhetoric that truly calls for hostility, total confrontation, and violence, dismissing his opponents as terrorists or criminals,” Gorriti told the ICIJ. “This is to create a scenario in which his enemies are either cowed or on the defensive.” This tactic isn’t unique to López Aliaga; it’s a growing trend across Latin America, where authoritarian voices are gaining prominence.
A Regional Crisis: Journalism in Exile
Peru’s situation is part of a broader regional crisis. A recent report from the Latin American Journalism Review at the University of Texas highlights that over 900 journalists have been forced into exile from 15 Latin American countries between 2018 and 2024. Many have been forced to abandon journalism altogether. This brain drain represents a significant loss for the region, silencing critical voices and weakening democratic institutions. The exodus isn’t just about physical safety; it’s about the erosion of the conditions necessary for independent journalism to thrive.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Investigative Reporting
The attacks on journalists in Peru, and across Latin America, aren’t simply about silencing individual reporters. They represent a systemic attempt to undermine the foundations of democracy. As Gustavo Gorriti notes, “I believe that global journalism is going through a very difficult period, one of the most difficult periods, with democracies in decline in much of the world.” The rise of authoritarian rhetoric and the impunity enjoyed by corrupt officials create a hostile environment where truth-telling is actively suppressed.
The situation demands a multi-faceted response. Strengthening legal protections for journalists, ensuring independent judicial investigations into attacks on the press, and fostering international solidarity are crucial steps. However, perhaps the most important defense lies in supporting independent media outlets and empowering journalists to continue their vital work, even in the face of immense pressure. The future of democracy in Latin America may well depend on it. What steps can international organizations take to better protect journalists facing these threats? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
