Press Groups Warn Peru Bill Threatens Journalism and Free Expression

Leading press freedom organizations in Peru are sounding the alarm over a new bill that they believe could severely undermine freedom of expression, the right to information, and the practice of journalism. The National Association of Journalists of Peru (ANP) and the Institute Press and Society (Ipys) have issued warnings regarding the legislative proposal, introduced in Congress by the ultrarightist Renovación Popular party. The bill, championed by congressman Aldo Bravo, seeks to penalize "apology for aggravated crime" during situations of crisis and/or social conflicts. The ANP stated in a release that the initiative's broad wording, using concepts like "justify," "legitimize," or "generate a risk," poses significant dangers. They argue that such interpretations could easily encompass protected journalistic expressions and content. "Reporting on violent events does not equate to promoting them," the ANP emphasized, expressing concern that the proposal considers the use of media and digital platforms an aggravating factor. It also explicitly mentions communicators, opinion leaders, and individuals with public influence. Roberto Pereira, a lawyer with IPYS, echoed these concerns, warning that the bill could infringe upon freedom of expression and criminalize journalistic work if approved. He called the proposal "unnecessary" and "disastrous," noting that existing criminal codes already cover the acts the bill intends to sanction. Pereira criticized the bill for introducing "technically deficient terminology" and for conceiving media use as a source of criminal risk, further aggravated by the use of digital platforms or public influence, terms lacking clear legal definition in Peru. Congressman Bravo defended his project, stating on Canal N television that its purpose is to sanction "anyone who calls for or incites violence" and that he sees "no danger and rather clarity" in its provisions. He acknowledged that the Penal Code already addresses incitement to violence but argued his bill adds an "aggravating factor" for journalists, politicians, or any individual instigating a crime. The bill is set to proceed to committee debate before potentially reaching the full Congress, with ten representatives from the Renovación Popular party co-signing the initiative.

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Such as it is formulated, the initiative generates serious risks for freedom of expression, the right to information, and the exercise of journalism, by employing broad concepts such as 'justify,' 'legitimize,' or 'generate a risk,' whose interpretation could end up encompassing protected journalistic expressions and content.