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IFEX-News from the international freedom of expression community _________________________________________________________________ Internet campaign against journalists and politicians continues SOURCEInstitute for Press and Society (IPYS), Lima **Updates IFEX alert of 2 December 1998** (IPYS/IFEX) - On Tuesday 30 March 1999, statements attacking Baruch Ivcher appeared on the Internet site of the organisation Association for the Defense of the Truth (Aprodev, Asociacion Pro Defensa de la Verdad). Previously, defamations against journalists and politicians opposed to the Fujimori regime had appeared on the Internet page. On Monday 5 April, the newspaper "Referendum", where some of Ivcher's former colleagues are currently working, published a special report speculating on the possible links between Aprodev and the National Intelligence Service (SIN, Servicio de Inteligencia Nacional). On 6 April, an official letter appeared in the "Expreso" newspaper. The letter was addressed to "Referendum" manager, Fernando Viana, and was signed by Aprodev's legal representative, Hector Ricardo Faisal. Faisal rejected the statements made by "Referendum" and called for the newspaper to present concrete proof supporting its allegation. In another part of his letter, Faisal states that "this whole matter is nothing more than a trap, with the obvious intention of creating a false impression that would afterwards be taken advantage of by the newspaper to publish a slanderous, defamatory and malicious version." IPYS spoke with Ivan Garcia, "Referendum"'s assistant manager, who said "Faisal is apparently unaware of the Aprodev Internet page contents focused on Peru. Whereas there is information available on Argentina, Germany, Chile, and other countries, he must not have seen the Peruvian content, which slandered and insulted Ivcher and others opposed to the current government. Garcia asked"What truth and quality information is Faisal boasting about, when everyone has seen the denigrating quality of the information on the Aprodev pages? Not only was this said in relation to the Ivcher case, as there is a long list of people opposed to the regime. How can Faisal try to defend that which is indefensible?" Garcia emphasized"we can only suppose that this gentleman, who is apparently acting as Aprodev's spokesperson, has demonstrated with his conduct that he endorses this negative content." If one looks at Aprodev Internet pages referring to other countries, one notes that Hitler's biography is on the Germany site, Pinochet's biography is on the Chile site, and on the Argentinian site, there is information on Almirante Macera, who was one of the generals involved in serious human rights violations. This suggests Aprodev's political viewpoint. Garcia further stated"Aprodev has revealed its stance against the truth, against freedom of the press and expression, and its intolerance for those who have a critical opinion of or disagree with the government, and particularly with SIN's modus operandi." RECOMMENDED ACTION Send appeals to authorities -asking for an investigation to determine if there is a relation between the Aprodev Internet site and the SIN APPEALS TO Alberto Fujimori Fujimori President of the Republic Lima, Peru Fax +51 1 426 6535 Miguel Aljovin Swayne Attorney General Lima, Peru Fax +51 1 426 2474 Jorge Santistevan de Noriega Ombudsman Lima, Peru Fax+51 1 426 6657 Please copy appeals to the source if possible. For further information, contact Jorge Salazar Cussianovich or Jenny Cabrera at IPYS, Las Mimosas 263, primer piso, Barranco, Lima, Peru, tel+511 2 473308, fax+511 2 473194, e-mailpostmaster@ipyspe.org.pe The information contained in this action alert update is the sole responsibility of IPYS. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit IPYS.
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