Freedom, Press and Courage

Background

The Members of the "Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento Patria Soñada", in the face of circumstances that pose a threat to the progress of the freedom of speech in Latin America, consider that the severity of the harassment that is being sustained by media outlets in many countries shall be weighed up by the public opinion.

Unfortunately, during the last years all kinds of attacks against the freedom of speech and the regular operation of media outlets have been seen again in several countries of our region, as a result of the direct action of certain governments.

In this regard, the "Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento Patria Soñada", emphasizes on the fact that harassment situations pose a serious threat to the freedom of speech, affecting the proper operation of its democratic institutions, especially if we consider the conclusion drawn at the last General Meeting of the Inter American Press Association (IAPA), which was held in last October. On said occasion, the attention was drawn on the aggravation of these cases during 2011, particularly in Venezuela, Ecuador, Argentina and Bolivia.

The severity of these circumstances increases because on many occasions the intervention of the Judicial Branch is not aimed at guaranteeing these rights, but it had actually been used as an instrument to intimidate the media that oppose the views of the current government. The same thing happens with the journalists of Bolivia, who think that there are threats to the freedom of speech in the country, in accordance with a private opinion poll conducted by the communication consulting firm called "Mora y Araujo".

In addition, it turns out to be especially serious the case of the Argentine Republic, where the role of the production, sale and distribution of newspapers and magazines is declared to be of public interest by a law. This represents a direct government intervention that has an impact on the freedom of speech of the print media. By virtue of this law the government has decision-making powers in connection with the production, commercialization and distribution process of the newsprint.

Based on the above-mentioned reasons, the Institute deemed important to invite qualified figures from these countries, where their respective governments are conducting open campaigns against the freedom of speech. The event will have the presence of qualified and specialized figures in this field, as well as former presidents of the Republic who knew and were able to rule with a critical press but without hindering their work in any way whatsoever.

Therefore, and based on ethical, moral and democratic principles which inspired the creation of the "Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento Patria Soñada", the following event has been scheduled.

IDPPS Members

Dr. Bernardino Cano Radil
Congressman (1989-1993 / 1993-1998), Member of the National Constituent Assembly. Currently Professor of Law at the Universidad Nacional de Asunción. Legal consultant for companies. Journalist and Public Opinion political scientist. Dr. Juan Francisco Facetti Minister of National Environment Secretariat (2000-2001). Environmental Chemist, Business Consultant and International lecturer. Program Coordinator at the Reserva Natural Privada del Grupo Victoria Paraguay.

Dra. Alda Cardozo
President of the Fundación Marco Aguayo (2002-2008), Fight against AIDS. Master of Planning and Conducting National Strategy. USAID Consultant Leader for the Amendment of Law 102/91 from AIDS. Criminal lawyer. Conflict Mediation Specialist.

Economist Dionisio A. Coronel B.
Director of Monetary and Financial Studies (1991), Manager of Economic Studies (1991-1993), Interim President at the Central Bank of Paraguay (1995) and member (1993 -1999). Currently, Advisor to the President of the BCP and University Professor and Business Consultant.

Lic. Lidia Edit Amarilla
Ministry of Education International Relations General Director (2007-2008). Secretary General of CNC UNESCO, Paraguay Chapter (1999-2008). Currently, Advisor of International Relations in the House of Deputies. Academic Director of the Fundación Paz Global.

Mons. Dr. Rafael Ruiz Gaona
PhD in Development and National Defense, Master in Science Education. BA in Theology and Philosophy. Dean of the University of San Sebastian. Teacher at the Universidad Nacional de Asunción and the Universidad Privada. Technical Conflict and Social Sciences mediator. Director of the Ministry of Education and Culture Conflict Mediation .

Lic. María Esther Jiménez
Social Action Minister (2004-2005). Social Area Advisory EBY (2005-2007) Education Minister (2007-2008) Currently EBY Social Area Technician, educational consultant and and Chairman of the Women's Area of the Fundanción de la Paz Global.

Arq. Julia A. Maciel G., MA
Minister of Planning (2004-2005). Currently Technical Advisor Vice President. Member of Oxford University Alumni Society. Member of the Association of Paraguayan Professionals Graduated in USA. Teaching at the university.