Peru overview

Writers threatened with death and on trial

Writers in Peru, particularly print journalists, frequently come under attack, with 25 incidents recorded by the Writers in Prison Committee in 2008 (see table below for breakdown).

Death threats were particularly common, with 10 recorded in 2008. Many were believed to be linked to the journalists' reporting on corruption and wrongdoing by local officials and powerful businessmen or on organised crime, particularly drug trafficking and the former Sendero Luminoso guerrilla group.

Six journalists were also on trial for criminal defamation and one young poet for affiliation with a terrorist group. Melissa Patiño, a poet and university student, was jailed on the basis of her alleged involvement with a leftwing political group which the Peruvian government says is linked to terrorist groups. Released on bail after two and a half months, Patiño reportedly faces a prison sentence of up to 20 years (for more details on her case click here)

PERU 2008

For information on current and past Peruvian cases, click here.

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