On 20 October 1996, Manuel Vicente Pena Gomez, a journalist for the popular daily “La Prensa de Bogota”, was the target of several gunmen. Pena was driving in his car when another automobile pulled up and opened fire with automatic weapons. Since he was driving an armoured car, however, Pena did not sustain any injuries. […]
On 20 October 1996, Manuel Vicente Pena Gomez, a journalist for
the popular daily “La Prensa de Bogota”, was the target of
several gunmen. Pena was driving in his car when another
automobile pulled up and opened fire with automatic weapons.
Since he was driving an armoured car, however, Pena did not
sustain any injuries.
Pena, known for the virulent tone of his articles, accused the
so-called “Santodomingo” group as well as certain government
officials — the latter of whom Pena has reported on in his
articles — of being behind the attack.
This most recent display of aggression against a journalist comes
only two days after the murder in Giradot of radio journalist
Norvey Diaz, who was found with a bullet wound in the neck. Diaz
had received various death threats for a number of years before
he was killed (see IFEX alert of 24 October 1996).
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
into these two cases lead to the apprehension and punishment of
those responsible
will be guaranteed
Appeals To
His Excellency Ernesto Samper Pizano
President of the Republic
Palacio de Narino
Carrera 8, No. 7-26
Santafe de Bogota, Colombia
Fax: +57 1 289 3377 / 286 7434 / 286 7324/ 287 7937
Dr. Horacio Serpa Uribe
Minister of Interior
Ministry of Interior
Carrera 8, No.8-09, Piso 2
Santafe de Bogota, Colombia
Fax: +57 1 286 6524 / 286 0485
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
