(FLIP/IFEX) – “Yes, I was obliged to flee the country on 9 March, and I did so discretely,” Darío Arizmendi, a news programme host on Caracol Radio, told FLIP on 20 March 2007. He also stated that he had survived two failed attempts on his life in the previous six months. The news of the […]
(FLIP/IFEX) – “Yes, I was obliged to flee the country on 9 March, and I did so discretely,” Darío Arizmendi, a news programme host on Caracol Radio, told FLIP on 20 March 2007. He also stated that he had survived two failed attempts on his life in the previous six months.
The news of the radio journalist’s exile was announced only the week previous, when Caracol Radio issued a press release stating that he had departed the country “as a necessary precaution” after having received information on “the plans of a subversive group to take his life.” It appears that guerrilla groups are responsible for the death threats.
Arizmendi is a recognized, veteran journalist in Colombia, having worked almost 40 years in various media, including the last 16 years with Caracol Radio.
“I will carry onward, with all the strength and courage I can muster in the face of this difficult situation”, the journalist concluded in a quaking voice.
FLIP denounces the threats against Arizmendi, and urges the authorities to determine their source. Only by establishing a legal precedent against such attacks on journalists will the value of journalistic work be recognized and appropriately protected.
