(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has expressed its concern over a 28 September 2004 robbery at the premises of the bi-monthly magazine “El Periodista”. “Since the robbery could be linked to articles published in the magazine, we are calling for a thorough investigation in order to identify and punish those responsible (. . .) We are particularly […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has expressed its concern over a 28 September 2004 robbery at the premises of the bi-monthly magazine “El Periodista”.
“Since the robbery could be linked to articles published in the magazine, we are calling for a thorough investigation in order to identify and punish those responsible (. . .) We are particularly concerned since the magazine’s director, Francisco Martorell, received threats in the weeks prior to the robbery,” RSF said in a letter to Interior Minister José Miguel Insulza. The organisation has asked to be kept informed of the investigation’s progress.
On 28 September, at about 11:30 p.m. (local time), unidentified individuals entered the “El Periodista” premises, located in Ñuñoa municipality, a part of metropolitan Santiago. “They robbed four computers containing the magazine’s accounting and financial information,” Martorell told RSF. He added that they did not steal any other objects of value. The thieves also painted insults on the “El Periodista” building’s façade.
Luis Casado, president of the magazine’s editorial council, said that the robbery was not committed by amateurs. He said he does not know what the motive behind the robbery might be, but noted that since the magazine began publishing in November 2001, it has covered sensitive issues. Martorell said that, between 19 August and 24 September, he received threats on three separate occasions. One of the messages, which was also received by Mónica Guerra of “El Mercurio” newspaper, was signed by a group calling itself “Quilicura Citizens” (“Gentes de Quilicura”). In November 2003, “El Periodista” reported on alleged corruption within Quilicura municipality, a Santiago suburb where municipal elections are scheduled for 31 October. Martorell also said the robbery took place during a period in which the magazine’s subscription levels have significantly increased, providing for greater financial stability.
