On September 17, ruling party legislator Abel Reyes (Peru Libre) presented a bill declaring of public necessity “the fair and equitable distribution of the electromagnetic and radio electric spectrum” of radio, television and other media, as well as transmission in the national territory. In addition, in case of emergency, the Government could dictate “temporary” measures to be complied with by telecommunications operators, providers and users.

Four legislative benches have already announced that they will not support the proposal because they consider that the government seeks to “control everything” (Hernando Guerra, Fuerza Popular) and that the bill could “undermine or restrict the work of the press” (Eduardo Salhuana, Alianza para el Progreso) or “censor the media” (Avanza País).

The statements of the opposition were joined by those of Instituto de Prensa y Sociedad (IPYS), Consejo de la Prensa Peruana (CPP) and Clínica Jurídica de Libertades Informativas of Universidad del Pacífico, which expressed their concern for the possible implications for freedom of expression, while denouncing actions that limit journalistic coverage of official activities and generate tension with the traditional media.

Faced with this scenario, civil society organizations urged President Pedro Castillo to respect the principles of defense of freedom of expression, in accordance with the Citizen’s Proclamation of May 17. They also requested him to dismiss the bill presented by his party, and to subscribe the declarations of Chapultepec and Salta, which could be a turning point for the future.