Pedro Castillo and a year of management trying to avoid press scrutiny

Freedom of the press in Peru takes place in a hostile environment. A few weeks ago, Eduardo Quispe and Elmer Valdivieso, journalists from Cuarto Poder, were kidnapped by peasant patrols opposed to investigations against direct relatives of President Pedro Castillo.

From the community of Cajamarca where they arrived, journalists were forced to read the manifesto in exchange for freedom. The statement was broadcast live throughout the country as part of the demands of the patrol officers to maintain the physical integrity of the communicators while they are in captivity.

Quispe assured that the attack was the result of repeated and hostile speeches by the President of the Republic against the media.

“Because what they said and argued about claims against us is the same discourse that the President of the Republic uses. That is, what happened is a consequence of what the President of the Republic said,” he points out.

It’s no secret that Peter’s castle He maintained an evasive and even confrontational behavior with the media from the pre-election campaign to winning the presidential election.

“Where is the press, the television of the Peruvian people? He doesn’t have it, but he has something to tell you nonsense, to tell you nonsense that needs to be done away with right now, ”he asked the question.

This episode is one of many that show feelings Peter’s castle to the right of information that Peruvians receive through the press.

In this first year in office, Castillo Terrones gave interviews to only five media outlets. In addition, it is almost impossible to ask him questions at public events, such as about investigations that accuse him of being the alleged leader of a criminal organization.

But the fact that uncomfortable questions cause an unexpected reaction in the head of state, similar to the one he had on February 21 in Huarochiri.

“This press is a joke, we are talking about Peruvian education, why don’t they focus on important issues?” he said.

“Statements” by Castillo

The president has preferred to express his opinion in the more than 20 decentralized councils he has held since taking office, whose activities are similar to campaign rallies, where he simultaneously makes promises and preaches, for example, promotes constituent Assembly.

In the midst of that situation Peter’s castle is promoting a bill to punish him with imprisonment for disseminating information from criminal investigations, for example against himself, his family and his political and business circles.

“There are 11 months of government that is established, that is shunned, that puts cameras in front of you to see how you live, to see what you do, and on weekends they appear on screens to make the population believe,” he said. said.

In his public activities, Pedro Castillo supports the police protection, aimed primarily at preventing the approach of journalists. While this is ongoing, the President appears to have changed his strategy and in recent weeks has been seen approaching reporters to give his opinion on current issues, but with no options for questions or cross-examination, only statements.

For Eliana Revollar, ombudsman interim, although this is a positive change, the president should be open to any questions.

“Of course, this is a positive change, but it is also important that he can respond to those aspects that are relevant and about which he must report to citizens through the men and women of the press,” he says.

Accountability and transparency in the actions of officials are the basic rules of democracy. For journalists, protecting freedom of the press means protecting the public’s right to be informed. This is a right, the demand of which will be constant and constant, whether the authorities want it or not.

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