H. E. Carlos Menem
President of Argentina
Casa Rosada
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Vienna, 20 July 1997

Your Excellency,

The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors and media executives from newspapers, magazines, broadcasting organisations and news agencies in over 100 countries is deeply concerned about the fake letter-bomb which was sent to La Nacion newspaper on Tuesday 17 June.

We are informed that the device was addressed to Deputy Editor Claudio Escribano along with a note warning him: “next time it’s for real.” In view of Argentina’s recent history, threats such as this must be taken seriously. The Argentinian media is still reeling from the shock of the murder of Jose Luis Cabezas last January. IPI finds the victimisation of journalists intolerable. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right which must be protected.

The Argentinian media is currently operating against a backdrop pf violence and intimidation. A functioning democracy demands that its people “have freedom to hold opinions without interference” as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We respectfully urge you to ensure that the perpetrators of these despicable acts are brought to justice, and that Argentina’s media is allowed to operate safely and without harassment.

We thank you for your attention.

Yours sincerely,

Johann P. Fritz
Director