Archbishop tells government to tone down media attacks

Panama’s Catholic  Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa has  called on government authorities to "tone down" their discussion of the problems they have with the media.

The  call  came following  of threats from the  Minister of Labor Alma Cortés against La Prensa journalist Santiago Cumbrera over an article exposing alleged irregularities over the program "My first job."

 "We should be learning from all the problems and difficulties we have, but we have to learn in a different tone, because the confrontations are doing much harm," the archbishop said. "For this reason, I recommend that we moderate our conduct."

He said that the issue will be discussed in the national dialog established by the government to examine freedom of expression in Panama.

Ulloa said the recent comments by the minister show that this dialogue is badly needed.

 Meanwhile social observerAurelio Barria leader of the Cruzada Civilista Nacional, warned that the harassment and outrage shown by the government toward journalists "is an imminent danger to the freedom of expression in Panama."

Barria, said that the conduct of certain officials over o articles about alleged acts of corruption was worrying. "It violates freedom of expression, and that is a delicate situation," he said adding that it is regrettable that the authorities have such reactions, especially as the dialog is about to start.