Peru: Controversy Around Illegal Interception of Phone Calls, Affect Journalism

According to ElUniverso.com a debate between the Peruvian Supreme Court and the media is ensuing surrounding a new law that would increase the penalties for journalists who publish information from illegal communication eavesdropping. The bill that the Supreme Court proposed to Congress, includes banning the media for spreading private information or email messages illegally obtained, with exception of information that is classified as ‘public interest.’ The Peruvian Press Council (CPP), formed by owners of print media and the Institute of Press and Society (IPYS), a group of journalists that defend the freedom of the press, are pressuring the Supreme Court to amend their new law saying that as it stands, the law is a gag law for the press. The new law will implement jail time from 6 to 10 years for journalists who spread information from intercepted telephone conversations or emails.Read Article