Investigative journalism in Peru is under threat from a new bill known as the “Gag Law,” warned the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) in an article published on April 9. If passed, this bill could significantly limit the ability of journalists to conduct investigations into issues such as corruption, nepotism and political violence.
Concerns center on possible harsher penalties for defamation, stricter deadlines for corrections and the possible restriction of the dissemination of information affecting personal privacy.
Renowned Peruvian journalists expressed their concern about the bill in the article. Gustavo Gorriti, director of IDL-Reporteros, considered it one of the most extreme attempts to control and suffocate journalism with regulations. David Hidalgo, director of OjoPúblico, said that he sees in the initiative an intention of certain political sectors to counteract the impact of journalistic investigations on sensitive issues. Fabiola Torres, founder and director of Salud con Lupa, pointed out that the stiffening of penalties for defamation and libel weakens the conditions for the practice of investigative journalism.
