Peru - Death threats made against journalist specialising in highly sensitive investigations

[Judi Lynn]

Peru - Death threats made against journalist specialising in highly sensitive investigations

MONTREAL, Sept. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - Reporters Without Borders today called
on the authorities to react rapidly to assist journalist Americo Zambrano, of
the weekly magazine Caretas, who has been repeatedly targeted by death threats
since 9 September 2008.

The "warnings" appear to be linked to recent revelations made by the
30-year-old journalist about alleged links between the powerful Sanchez
Paredes family and Mexican drug cartels. Zambrano, an investigative
specialist, had also during the same period exposed a case of corruption
within the army high command.

"Americo Zambrano's plight does appear to be taken seriously at the
highest police level and we are pleased to see it," the worldwide press
freedom organisation said. "Nevertheless, we urge the authorities not to
neglect any avenue of inquiry that could explain the threats, in particular
the case he revealed relating to senior army officers. We also express our
solidarity with Americo Zambrano and his magazine and hope that this
investigation will rapidly bring results", it added.

Zambrano, who lives and works in Lima told Reporters Without Borders that
he received the most recent threatening phone call on 15 September, when a
male voice, the same as on the previous calls the journalist thought, told
him, "Die, damn you". The previous evening the same caller had asked if he
"liked to go for walks", suggesting that he was being followed. Overnight on
11 September, the journalist found his dog dead from poisoning at the entrance
to his home.

More:
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2008/19/c6418.html