The massive misinformation has established itself as the central axis of attacks against independent journalism in Peruaccording to the testimony of Gustavo Gorritiwho has faced smear campaigns and direct threats throughout his more than four-decade career. In dialogue with InfobaeGorriti described how information manipulation, amplified by digital tools and troll networks, has transformed the nature of hostility toward the press, surpassing previous episodes of political persecution in scale and sophistication.
During the interview, Gorriti He reported that pressure and risk are constant in his work, but that the recent wave of misinformation is distinguished by its volume and organization. “Disinformation, which is basically the art of disguised lying, has been a tremendous avalanche of lies, defamations and slander, with a special emphasis on quantity and massiveness.“said Gorriti. He explained that the objective of these campaigns is to turn lying into an accepted reality by society, resorting to repetition and digital amplification.
The journalist stressed that the only way to confront these attacks is to understand their origin and organization. “What you have to do is face them as you face an enemy in a conflict, when you clearly know the disproportion that exists between what one does, which is seeking to serve the truth, and what they do, which is trying to distort the facts and enthrone the lie.“Gorriti said in the conversation. He added that experience has taught him not to allow slander and defamation to affect his personal integrity, but to reject and combat them.
Asked about the recent episode in which he denounced the mayor of Lime for incitement to murder, Gorriti identified this authority as one of the main promoters of misinformation and defamation against him. “The still mayor of Lima is one of the main agents of misinformation, of slander against me. He has directed this offensive and has given it an accent of truly insane obsession.“, Gorriti declared to Infobae. He explained that the mayor used public events as a platform for insults and even incited violence, which, in his opinion, reveals the danger that free journalism and democracy face in the country.
Regarding institutional and union support, Gorriti pointed out that there is a marked difference between the journalism sectors. “Part of the problem of corruption is journalism itself. There are many corrupt journalists. Much of the disinformation is done through journalistic media“, Gorriti stated in the interview. However, he acknowledged the support of a part of the Peruvian press dedicated to the investigation and, especially, the support of international organizations such as the CPJ and the Council of Journalists without Frontierswho have been decisive in the defense of press freedom.
Regarding the evolution of disinformation in the region, Gorriti explained that, although the techniques have not changed substantially, the amplification capacity offered by digital platforms has multiplied its impact. “The tremendous amplification capacity that the digital world gives means that they have to put in much less effort to reach many more people.“, indicated Gorriti. Despite the logistical disadvantage compared to the resources of those who promote disinformation, he maintained that well-conducted investigations can equal or exceed the impact of manipulation campaigns.
Regarding the participation of state and corporate actors in these campaigns, Gorriti was categorical: “Basically, one hundred percent of the cases are powerful organized forces, state and non-state, corporate, generally acting in coalition, in corrupt coalitions against journalists.“he stated. He added that these efforts require significant investments and coordination.
The role of digital platforms and their algorithms was also analyzed. Gorriti acknowledged that they can modify perceptions and contribute to the silencing of critical voices, but highlighted that investigative journalism has learned to use technological tools and collaborative strategies to counteract these effects. “Journalism, especially investigative journalism, is using collaboration tools much more than before, sometimes specific and sometimes very general and even global.”Gorriti explained in the interview.
Addressing the issue of censorship, Gorriti argued that disinformation functions as a form of intimidation and censorship, comparable to violence. “Lying implicitly involves, in almost all cases, a form of intimidation. And that, of course, is a powerful weapon of censorship, as is violence. And between lies and violence there is a distance that is always short“, Gorriti warned Infobae. He insisted that investigative journalism should not accept censorship or self-censorship, especially out of fear.
In relation to the case Lava JatoGorriti identified two stages: an initial one of significant progress in the fight against corruption and a later one of setback, marked by disinformation campaigns and counterattacks by those involved. “At that moment, when great businessmen and fortunes from the continent had to go to the prosecutor’s offices, it really seemed that the fight against corruption had achieved previously unattained goals.” Gorriti recalled. However, the reaction of those affected and errors in judicial management led to a counteroffensive that destroyed the progress and reversed the narrative, persecuting judges, prosecutors and journalists.
Regarding the lasting impact of these investigations, Gorriti was pessimistic regarding institutional advances, but valued the experience gained. “Unfortunately, we have not made progress that has been consolidated and that allows us to continue. The only thing we have achieved is a great experience, an immense knowledge of how corruption works, how it has been done, how it can and should be investigated.“, he stated.
Regarding the balance between the urgency to publish and ethical verification, Gorriti differentiated between editorial responses and strict investigative journalism. He stressed the importance of taking the time necessary to verify the facts in depth before publishing, but also of knowing how to organize and respond based on already established truths.
Consulted on current research in IDL-ReportersGorriti confirmed that there is work in progress, although he preferred not to comment on them in detail.
International recognition, such as the award World Press Freedom Hero of the IPIrepresents an additional honor and responsibility for Gorriti. “I feel deeply honored that people who have made that decision, who are all eminent journalists and with great knowledge of what is happening in Latin America and the world, have made that decision.“He expressed. He believes that these awards encourage us to persevere in the defense of truth and democracy.
Regarding the effect of international attention, Gorriti recognized that it can serve as both protection and incentive for local hostility. “Having the eyes of the world on it means for the perpetrators to know that the ability to go unpunished is much less, but it also exacerbates the hatred they come to have.“explained Gorriti. He described the exercise of journalism and the defense of democracy as a situation of permanent conflict, in which the truth is the main weapon of society.
Regarding the role of global organizations and international media, Gorriti lamented the lack of awareness and effective support for journalistic investigation in Latin America. “The number of people willing to support this is unfortunately very small.”, he noted.
When reflecting on his motivation to continue investigating despite the risks, Gorriti highlighted the nobility of the journalistic profession and the intellectual and creative challenge it entails. “There are few things as noble as those undertaken by journalists who have to truly fight for their work to serve society, for the truths they bring to light to reach the people.”said Gorriti.
For young reporters who aspire to do investigative journalism in adverse contexts, Gorriti advised them to carefully reflect on the risks and prepare themselves both physically and intellectually. “Journalism requires two fundamental things. First, develop the art of storytelling, of telling stories. And secondly, develop the discipline of in-depth research“He recommended. He insisted on the importance of reading and constant learning.
Finally, regarding his concept of truth after decades of confronting power and lies, Gorriti said: “What is sought is to reflect the truth of the facts in what remains. The truth of the events as they occurred, which one has been able to adequately verify. That concept has not changed and will not change” In summarizing his journalistic mission, Gorriti concluded: “Having dedicated my life to telling stories that deserved to be reported, verified and told”.
