The Peruvian Congress has approved a bill that gives the executive power to legislate on security issues. Among the 50 bills that would be approved is Bill No. 5632/2023, which seeks to criminalise the work of journalists who report on protests.
The granting of powers to the executive will allow amendments to be made to the Penal Code through bills. Among these, Bill Nº 5632/2023, which in point 3.1.2, section C states: “To condemn the instigators of the crime of rioting (…), crimes that have often been committed as a result of instigation even by public officials and communicators who using mass media have called for different marches, even inciting violence”.
The direct accusation of journalistic work implies restrictions to the right to information, which is why, in response to the proposal, various journalistic associations such as the Press and Society Institute (IPYS), the Peruvian Press Council (CPP) and the National Association of Journalists (ANP), have called for its rejection.
Photo: Prensa Latina.