Sergio Schneider believes the incident is related to his professional activities, as he had recently received threats.
(FOPEA/IFEX) – 6 June 2011 – An unidentified individual apparently tried to kidnap the young son of journalist Sergio Schneider, editor-in-chief of “Norte” newspaper, based in Resistencia, Chaco province. The journalist believes the incident is related to his professional activities, as he had recently received threats. FOPEA calls for a prompt investigation and urges the authorities of the city of Resistencia and Chaco province to ensure that Schneider’s family is protected from any further attack.
The incident occurred at midday on 24 May 2011 as Schneider’s 10-year-old son was leaving his school. A man stopped him, presented himself as a hired driver and claimed to have been sent by his father to pick him up. The man mentioned his father by name and the name of the media outlet he works for. Although the young boy doubted the man’s claims, he was about to get into his car when the boy’s older sister realised what was happening. They argued with the man for a bit and after the man communicated with another individual by radio, he drove off. His car did not have any special plates or other indication to suggest that it was a taxi or other car for hire.
Schneider filed a complaint on 27 May, which outlined his suspicions that the incident was linked to his journalistic coverage.
(Please note this is an abridged translation).
