(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has voiced concern over the repeated death threats made against journalists from the “Contacto Noticioso” programme, aired by the Canal 13 cable television station, in the eastern department of Chiquimula. “We ask you to ensure that those responsible for this campaign of harassment are arrested and punished because press freedom cannot be […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has voiced concern over the repeated death threats made against journalists from the “Contacto Noticioso” programme, aired by the Canal 13 cable television station, in the eastern department of Chiquimula.
“We ask you to ensure that those responsible for this campaign of harassment are arrested and punished because press freedom cannot be practised in a climate of impunity,” RSF said in a letter to the Guatemalan interior minister. The organisation also called on the authorities to provide more protection for journalists.
“Contacto Noticioso” producer Benjamin Martínez said he and his team have received at least 25 anonymous phone calls since the start of the year, warning them to stop reporting or risk being killed. The content of the calls has ranged from funeral march music to direct death threats.
A recent “Contacto Noticioso” programme criticised the low standard of living in the city of Esquipulas. Another report detailed raises awarded to certain municipal employees. Martínez believes this report may be the reason for the threats.
The programme’s journalistic team is extremely disturbed by the threats and reluctant to respond to news calls from the public for fear of falling into a trap.
