September 20, 2024 - Peru, Lima

Following lawsuits filed against her by the Peruvian Attorney General's Office, a court decision resulted in the revocation of the confidentiality of Peruvian journalist Paola Ugaz's communications. The Peruvian court mandated the release of all call records and geolocation data from Ugaz's telecommunications provider spanning the years 2013 to 2020, during her investigation of the religious group Sodalicio de Vida Cristiana. Ugaz's reporting on the group's activities revealed various illicit practices, including sexual abuse, culminating in the ousting of its leader, Fernando Figari, and the intervention of the Vatican.

Women Press Freedom strongly condemns these actions that undermine the core tenets of a free and independent press. We express our solidarity with Paola Ugaz and all journalists confronting similar threats to their work and privacy. Immediate reversal of the court's decision is demanded.