A television journalist has received a death threat that may be linked to his criticisms of the government.
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 26 August 2009, Jesús González Mercado, journalist for the TV news program “CV Noticias”, that is broadcast by the regional Telecaribe station, and the political show “Sesiones y Debate”, aired on the La Voz de la Costa station, received a death threat. The threat was received via a telephone call, which was answered at the television news program’s facilities in the city of Barranquilla, in northern Colombia.
According to the journalist, the threat, during which he was warned to “be careful”, could be related to his current work at the television station, where he broadcasts critical opinions about the government.
A complaint was filed with the local authorities. With this threat, the number of journalists in Barranquilla who have been pressured or faced threats has risen to 16.
