Peru's Top Journalist Gustavo Gorriti Investigated for Alleged Media Leaks

Gustavo Gorriti, Peru's most prominent journalist, is under criminal investigation for allegedly trading "media support" to government lawyers in exchange for leaks about the high-profile Operation Car Wash corruption probe. Gorriti, the editor-in-chief of the investigative site IDL Reporteros, was one of the key journalists who helped expose the far-reaching Operation Car Wash scandal that has implicated and toppled leaders across Latin America.

Prosecutors are demanding that Gorriti turn over the phone numbers he used between 2016 and 2021. They plan to authorize lifting the secrecy of communications between Gorriti and the government lawyers involved in the alleged leak scheme. "The allegations against Gustavo Gorriti represent a serious threat to investigative journalism in Peru," said press freedom advocates. They argue that Gorriti was simply following standard journalistic practices in his reporting.

Why this matters: The investigation into Gorriti is seen as part of a broader crackdown on independent media in Peru. The country has experienced a dramatic backsliding in judicial independence and democratic institutions since the attempted self-coup in 2022. The case raises concerns about press freedom and the potential misuse of government power to target journalists.

Gorriti denies any wrongdoing and says he will refuse to hand over any information that could compromise his anonymous sources. "I followed all ethical standards in my reporting on Operation Car Wash," Gorriti stated. "Protecting the confidentiality of sources is a fundamental principle of journalism that I will not violate." The outcome of the investigation into Gorriti could have major implications for the future of investigative reporting and government accountability in Peru.

Key Takeaways

• Prominent Peruvian journalist Gustavo Gorriti under criminal investigation for alleged media leaks.
• Prosecutors demand Gorriti's phone records, raising concerns about press freedom and government overreach.
• Gorriti denies wrongdoing, says he protected confidential sources as per journalistic ethics.
• Investigation seen as part of broader crackdown on independent media in Peru amid democratic backsliding.
• Outcome could have major implications for investigative reporting and government accountability in Peru.