The following is a 21 January 2000 IPYS press release: Government to provide security for threatened Colombian journalist As was earlier reported by the Institute for Press and Society (IPYS) on 12 January, Colombian journalist Carlos Pulgarín, who had taken refuge with IPYS in Lima, received two death threats via telephone calls to our office. […]
The following is a 21 January 2000 IPYS press release:
Government to provide security for threatened Colombian journalist
As was earlier reported by the Institute for Press and Society (IPYS) on 12 January, Colombian journalist Carlos Pulgarín, who had taken refuge with IPYS in Lima, received two death threats via telephone calls to our office.
After IPYS’s declaration, a number of meetings were held with the ombudsman, representatives of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the Colombian ambassador in Peru, IAPA’s representative in Peru and federal government officials. As a result of these meetings, the government decided to provide protection for Pulgarín and assume responsibility for his safety, as per IPYS’ and the journalist’s request. Furthermore, the UNHCR took up his case, in the hopes that within weeks he would be able to leave Peru for a third country, as his life would be in danger were he to return to Colombia.
The Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Organisation of American States (OAS) has become aware of the case and will undertake such action as his office deems necessary. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in New York, and Reporters sans Frontières (RSF) in France, are also familiar with the case and are taking action.
We hope that in the next few days Carlos Pulgarín will be able to travel to a country which will allow him to live freely and at a safe distance from those in Colombia who wish to assasinate him.
Lima, 21 January 2000
JORGE SALAZAR CUSSIÁNOVICH
Executive Director
