Guillermo Russo, Ambassador to Canada Date: _________ Dear Ambassador Russo, I _____________ join with Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression around the world, to express my concern about the investigation into the murder of Peruvian journalist, Pérez Julca. Lima-based press freedom association IPYS, has expressed their concern that the police investigations being undertaken are “incomplete” and should be broadened. I believe that the lack of broad and rigorous investigations into attacks against journalists encourages impunity. Miguel Pérez Julca was gunned down in front of his family on March 17, 2007, in Jaén, in the north western province of Cajamarca at the age of 38. Pérez Julca worked for El informativo del pueblo, a news program on local radio station Radio Exitos. He had recently blamed Jaén Mayor Jaime Vilchez Oblitas for several cases of mismanagement. He has also covered local corruption and violent crime in Jaén. The day before his murder, he told friends he had seen a white car following him on the street. He was murdered by gunmen on motorbikes in front of his family. Reports have mentioned that his murderers behaved like contract killers and it is assumed that he was killed because of his reporting. I call upon the Peruvian government to ensure that a thorough and impartial investigation is carried out, and that the killers of Miguel Pérez Julca are brought to justice. I look forward to your response. Yours sincerely, ____________________________ |