The Journalists' Union of Paraguay condemns the murder of journalist Carlos Artaza, who worked for the press department in the Amambay governor’s office and was victim of a premeditated attack during which he was shot six times.
The Journalists’ Union of Paraguay (Sindicato de Periodistas del Paraguay, SPP) condemns the murder of journalist Carlos Artaza, in Pedro Juan Caballero. Artaza worked for the press department in the Amambay governor’s office and was targeted in a premeditated attack during which he was shot six times. On the morning of 25 April 2013 he was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
26 April is the national Day of the Journalist, commemorating the 1991 murder of journalist Santiago Leguizamón. SPP is saddened that on the eve of this day another journalist has been killed. The organisation offers its condolences to Artaza’s family and calls for a rigorous investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible for this terrible killing.
Murder and threats
Artaza participated in a political event on the night of 24 April and when he returned home, was attacked by people driving a motorcycle.
This terrifying incident is the latest in a line of incidents, most recently the repeated death threats against journalist Aníbal Gómez Caballero. Cándido Figueredo, an ABC Color correspondent in Pedro Juan Caballero, has also received threats recently.
SPP calls on the local authorities to put more emphasis on the safety of journalists, with the aim of protecting them, especially in regions where there is unrest such as in towns near the border.
The organisation pledges that, for the sake of Artaza’s wife and children, they will not let his murder go unpunished. To do this, SPP will take the necessary steps to punish those who are spreading this message of violence against journalists and the general population.
SPP calls for an end to impunity and for justice for Carlos Artaza.
