(FLIP/IFEX) – On 7 October 2005, FLIP reported that Jhon Alexander Chica, a photographer for “El Tiempo Café” newspaper based in Pereira, was obstructed by a policeman when he attempted to photograph police officers assaulting a street vendor. According to the photographer, he was returning to the newspaper’s offices when he noticed that a street […]
(FLIP/IFEX) – On 7 October 2005, FLIP reported that Jhon Alexander Chica, a photographer for “El Tiempo Café” newspaper based in Pereira, was obstructed by a policeman when he attempted to photograph police officers assaulting a street vendor.
According to the photographer, he was returning to the newspaper’s offices when he noticed that a street vendor was being mistreated and that his merchandise had been thrown on the ground. Chica attempted to photograph the incident but was prevented from doing so by one of the policemen. Although Chica showed the officer his press card, the policeman obstructed him and pushed him away from the scene. He was about to arrest the photographer when one of his superiors pulled up in a police car and instructed him to allow Chica to carry out his work.
Lieutenant Jairo Arévalo Parra, spokesperson for the Pereira police, told FLIP that he was not aware of the incident but would ensure that the matter be investigated and any necessary disciplinary measures taken.
In recent months, another “El Tiempo Café” photographer in Pereira was assaulted by university students who used him as a shield during a demonstration. Since that time, the El Tiempo Publishing House has ensured that all of the paper’s photographers carry press cards and are clearly identified while they are on duty. The measure has reduced the risks faced by its employees.
FLIP calls on the authorities to respect the work of journalists, camera operators and press photographers and ensure that they may carry out their work. The organization notes that obstructing or assaulting a journalist is a violation of press freedom.
