Argentina: Journalists under pressure in reporting on death of prosecutor

IFEX

27 January 2015
Foro de Periodismo Argentino

The following is an abridged translation of a statement which was originally published on fopea.org on 26 January 2015.

The Foro de Periodismo Argentino (FOPEA) is concerned about the conditons in which the media coverage of the death of special prosecutor Alberto Nisman is unfolding. Journalists are being pressured in numerous ways.

The organisation believes that the state should step up protective measures for journalists covering the case, who are being overburdened and overexposed in their work. These official actions must be in accordance with recommendations from international organisms. FOPEA also reiterates its call for the democratization of the Ministry of Intelligence, whose work is constantly being called into question by the citizens of Argentina.

In terms of security measures, the preservation and protection of personal information is of vital importance, as was expressed in the June 2014 general meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS). FOPEA considers it a violation of privacy that the travel plans of journalist Damián Pachter, who has been reporting on the Nisman case, were revealed. Information came from Aerolíneas Argentinas and was shared by Télam, as well as the official twitter accounts of Télam and the President's residence.

Point 7 of the OAS resolution 2842 on Access to Public Information and Protection of Personal Data reaffirms the importance of protecting personal data and respecting the right to privacy, according to which no-one can be the object of arbitrary or illegal injustices in their private life, family, home or correspondence.