(FLIP/IFEX) – The following is a 9 February 2006 FLIP press release: In a meeting held today, 9 February 2006, with Vice President Francisco Santos, Criminal Police Chief General Óscar Naranjo and Interior and Justice Ministry human rights director Rafael Bustamante, among others, FLIP outlined the worrisome state of press freedom during January 2006 and […]
(FLIP/IFEX) – The following is a 9 February 2006 FLIP press release:
In a meeting held today, 9 February 2006, with Vice President Francisco Santos, Criminal Police Chief General Óscar Naranjo and Interior and Justice Ministry human rights director Rafael Bustamante, among others, FLIP outlined the worrisome state of press freedom during January 2006 and provided an assessment of 2005.
In January, six journalists were threatened, five of whom had to leave their regions. As well, journalist Gustavo Rojas Gabalo was shot in Montería, Córdoba, on 4 February, and is still in critical condition. Additionally, as FLIP’s preliminary report for 2005 indicated, self-censorship and the silencing of journalists currently characterize journalism outside of the capital.
The vice president announced the establishment of a committee, composed of representatives from the Office of the Prosecutor General of the Nation and the Criminal Police, to accelerate investigation of threats and attacks on journalists. The Police also made a commitment to review recent cases in Santander, North Santander and the Atlantic coast, and to provide more security to journalists across the country. Finally, the vice president said he would visit Barrancabermeja and Cúcuta, cities in Santander and North Santander respectively, soon, and that he would make it clear to all local authorities in the country that journalists’ activities must be respected and defended, without vacillations.
FLIP President María Teresa Ronderos reiterated FLIP’s willingness to help the authorities put such measures into practice. She also indicated that she expected such measures to be genuinely implemented and effective.
