Peru’s President Dina Boluarte faces backlash for accusing the press of coup plotting amid investigations into her government. The Committee to Protect Journalists insists she retract her statements and promote press freedom, following scrutiny over her administration’s alleged corruption and low approval ratings. Media organizations in Peru strongly criticize Boluarte’s claims as harmful to independent journalism.
On March 4, 2025, the Committee to Protect Journalists urged Peruvian President Dina Boluarte to retract her allegations that media outlets were attempting to destabilize her administration. This call to action follows her speech in which she accused the press of collaboration with the Attorney General’s office to orchestrate a coup. Boluarte’s comments arose after a search was conducted at the home of Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez, who is under investigation for abuse of power.
Boluarte specifically targeted the independent TV program Cuarto Poder, known for exposing corruption in her government, including a recent report about Santiváñez allegedly soliciting bribes. She expressed that Cuarto Poder had consistently harassed her since her presidency began, and criticized the media’s dissemination of what she labelled “false news.”
Cristina Zahar, the Latin America coordinator for CPJ, emphasized the importance of allowing press freedom in Peru. She stated, “Peruvian President Dina Boluarte must retract her outrageous accusations of coup plotting by the media and instead promote an atmosphere in which journalists can work freely and without fear of reprisal.” The Institute for Press and Society and the National Association of Journalists of Peru also condemned her statements as some of the most serious attacks on journalism since her tenure started.
Boluarte has faced intensified media scrutiny due to her approval ratings plummeting to 3% and an investigation into alleged illicit enrichment linked to her public display of luxury watches. The pressure from the media stems from these controversies, further challenging her leadership. Despite attempts to reach Boluarte’s press office for comments, the CPJ received no response.
In conclusion, President Dina Boluarte’s accusations against media outlets in Peru have drawn criticism from various journalistic organizations and advocacy groups. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between government officials and press freedom advocates, particularly in light of broader concerns regarding accountability and transparency in Peru’s political landscape. The call for a retraction aims to foster a more supportive environment for independent journalism.
Original Source: cpj.org
