Inter American Press Association condemns 'judicial persecution' of Peruvian journalist investigating Sodalicio

The Inter American Press Association (SIP) has condemned a "judicial persecution" against Peruvian journalist Paola Ugaz Cruz, citing a new defamation lawsuit filed against her. The Miami-based organization stated that Ugaz Cruz has faced numerous lawsuits since 2018 stemming from her investigations into matters of public interest. The SIP views these legal actions as a "systematic pattern of intimidation against her journalistic work."

The latest lawsuit, filed by the Civil Association San Juan Bautista, accuses Ugaz Cruz of damaging honor and reputation with false claims. This adds to a previous "illicit enrichment" case initiated against her in April 2023 by Luciano Revoredo, director of the portal La Abeja, and other criminal complaints for aggravated defamation and money laundering.

While the Catholic Church society has not directly filed these lawsuits, Ugaz Cruz noted that the judicial harassment originates from individuals connected to the Catholic group. The Sodalicio de Vida Cristiana was suppressed by the Holy See in 2025 due to sectarian behavior, among other reasons.

The SIP urged Peruvian authorities to prevent the "instrumentalization of the justice system against journalists for the content of their investigations." The organization warned that such pressures could deter other reporters from investigating powerful economic, political, or religious entities. Pierre Manigault, president of the SIP, stated, "When lawsuits, criminal defamation laws, and administrative mechanisms are used not to guarantee justice, but to silence scrutiny, strategic litigation becomes a control tool designed to wear down and intimidate independent voices."

The SIP, representing over 1,300 publications across the Americas, is a non-profit entity dedicated to defending and promoting press and expression freedom.