(FLIP/IFEX) – On 5 September 2005, members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Revolucionarias de Colombia, FARC) used dynamite to blow up the transmission towers of the Caracol radio station and the Colmundo radio network. The towers were located in Usenda, Silvia municipality, in eastern Cauca, about 40 minutes from Popayán. Caracol journalists […]
(FLIP/IFEX) – On 5 September 2005, members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Revolucionarias de Colombia, FARC) used dynamite to blow up the transmission towers of the Caracol radio station and the Colmundo radio network. The towers were located in Usenda, Silvia municipality, in eastern Cauca, about 40 minutes from Popayán.
Caracol journalists in Popayán told FLIP that AM transmissions and the station’s internal transmission system in Popayán were affected the most, and reception in the department of Nariño was also impacted. Currently, only FM stations are on the air.
FLIP’s correspondent in Valle was able to ascertain that the Colmundo radio stations were operating normally in that department. However, it is not possible to broadcast in Cauca the radio signals emitted in Cali.
Colonel Jairo Hurtado, chief of staff in Popayán, told FLIP that the attack occurred on the night of 5 September. Troops of the Twenty-ninth Army Brigade are reportedly heading to the region to evaluate the damage. However, the route to the area has reportedly been mined by the rebels.
According to FLIP’s information, in recent days there have been a number of clashes in the region between the army and the FARC. The rebel group is suspected of blowing up a number of electrical towers on 5 September, disrupting electricity supply to the Cauca, Nariño and Putumayo departments.
FLIP recalls that attacks on media outlets’ infrastructure are serious violations of press freedom and freedom of expression, rights which are recognised by the Colombian Constitution and international treaties. Attacks on journalists or media outlets in the context of an armed conflict are violations of international humanitarian law.
