Peru: Judge Who Granted Suspended Sentence to Camacho's Stalker Files Defamation Lawsuit Against the Journalist
Women Press Freedom condemns the legal retaliation targeting journalist
Location: Peru, Lima
Date: August 2, 2024
Updated: August 21, 2024
Women Press Freedom condemns the defamation lawsuit filed against Manuela Camacho by the judge who issued a lenient sentence to a man who terrorized 7 women journalists with threats and stalking, an injustice that persists. Ximena Carrasco, Manuela Camacho, and Trilce Reyes, have faced ongoing harassment from Hialmar Enrique Laynes Sánchez since early 2023. Despite protective measures, the assailant continued to target them, endangering their safety and that of their families. Despite multiple victims and serious allegations, Laynes Sánchez was released with a suspended sentence in late July. After public outcry, the judge who granted the lenient sentence is now pursuing defamation charges against journalist Manuela Camacho. We oppose Laynes Sánchez's release, question the legal system's response to gender-based violence, and condemn the legal actions against Camacho. We urge the court to reconsider, hold the perpetrator accountable, and drop the case against Camacho, who is also a victim. Authorities must prioritize gender-based violence cases, as failing to do so silences victims of sexual harassment and perpetuates a toxic culture.
“The judge who issued a suspended prison sentence sends ME a notarized letter alleging harm to her honor and accuses me. Madam Judge, I am not lying, the massive indignation caused by disclosing the sentence is not something I can handle.” journalist Manuela Camacho expresses disbelief over the defamation charges leveled against her by the judge who handed down a lenient sentence to a man who has continually harassed and threatened her, along with six other journalists, for a year.
This action follows the widespread condemnation of the court's decision and the support that Camacho has garnered, including Women Press Freedom.
“Meanwhile, the aggressor continues writing, threatening me. This is the third time I have reported a violation of my protection measures.” continues Camacho, revealing threatening messages from the assailant.
This incident further underscores the deficiencies in the Peruvian judicial system, which not only fails to hold perpetrators accountable but also exacerbates the burdens on the victims.
“Our attacker accepted the charges, admitted to harassing and threatening me despite legal impediments, and yet he got a suspended sentence. At this time he is already at home. We are helpless. Incredible,” says Manuela Camacho, expressing dismay over the court's decision to release Hialmar Enrique Laynes Sánchez, who has been harassing and threatening her as well as six other journalists since March 2023.
In June 2023, multiple journalists, including Manuela Carrasco, Ximena Calderón, and Trilce Reyes, came forward with reports of sexual harassment and death threats by Laynes Sánchez.
Upon learning that he was under investigation for issuing death threats and harassment via his social media profiles, Laynes Sánchez acknowledged that the accounts were his, but he denied culpability, a stance he has upheld ever since.
Despite protective measures being in place, the assailant continued to target the victims, prompting law enforcement intervention.
Laynes Sánchez was arrested on July 30, 2024, for breaching the protective measures, putting the safety and well-being of the journalists at risk.
Camacho, one of the victims, expressed relief at the authorities' actions but emphasized the importance of holding the perpetrator accountable through legal consequences. In a video shared online, she detailed the distressing events that led to her decision to press charges against Laynes Sánchez.
"On June 11, I filed a criminal complaint against Hialmar Enrique Laynes Sánchez for threats and sexual extortion. By that time, he had already been accused by four other colleagues who had received similar messages laden with violence and threats of death and abuse," Camacho disclosed in the video.
In a series of startling posts on her X account, Camacho shared the testimonies of her colleagues who had fallen victim to harassment by the same person. Carrasco and Reyes were among those who recounted their harrowing encounters.
Carrasco shared her experience of receiving threatening messages, including explicit content and threats to her family members.
“In December, I reported Hialmar Laynes Sánchez on social media and to the police for harassment and death threats. Five months have passed and he appeared again. This time his messages are even stronger, not only does he send me pornography, he also sends me photos of bullets and even my nephews.” expressed Carrasco in a social media post.
The journalists revealed how Laynes Sánchez's actions not only endangered their safety but also underscored the broader issue of harassment faced by women in the media industry.
Nevertheless, despite the seriousness of the allegations and the increasing number of victims stepping forward, Laynes Sánchez was released on August 2, 2024, with a suspended sentence and fined three thousand soles ($805), prompting criticism and demands for justice from the affected journalists.
The decision to release Laynes Sánchez has raised concerns about the effectiveness of Peru’s legal measures in addressing gender-based violence, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by women in journalism. It underscores the urgency of creating a safe and respectful working environment for all media professionals.
When perpetrators are not held accountable for their actions, it sends a message that their behavior is acceptable and that victims' pain and suffering are inconsequential. This lack of justice can further exacerbate feelings of powerlessness and betrayal in victims, making it even more difficult for them to heal and move forward.
Women Press Freedom expresses its support for Ximena Carrasco, Manuela Camacho, and Trilce Reyes, as well as other women journalists who have faced sexual harassment and death threats from Laynes Sánchez. Relentless harassment can have profound and lasting psychological effects on its victims, shattering their sense of safety and security. The constant fear and anxiety caused by such experiences can lead to feelings of helplessness, powerlessness, and vulnerability. We denounce the court's decision to release Laynes Sánchez and demand justice for the journalists. We further strongly condemn Judge Emma Ruth Tambini Monge for pursuing legal action against Camacho instead of prioritizing the protection of the journalist's integrity and human rights by ensuring accountability for Laynes Sánchez's actions. It is essential for authorities to take gender-based violence cases seriously and act swiftly to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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