(IPYS/IFEX) – On the morning of 14 November 2006, unidentified persons communicated a death threat to José Ponce Obispo, producer of the news programme at Radio Galeón radio station in the town of Santa Marta, northern Colombia. The threat was made by telephone after it was noted, during the programme’s commentary segment, that a group […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On the morning of 14 November 2006, unidentified persons communicated a death threat to José Ponce Obispo, producer of the news programme at Radio Galeón radio station in the town of Santa Marta, northern Colombia.
The threat was made by telephone after it was noted, during the programme’s commentary segment, that a group of community leaders from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta had issued a communiqué condemning threats made by demobilised paramilitary groups operating in the region.
According to Ponce, the perpetrators also went to his home and threatened his family after the communiqué was read on-air.
The director filed a complaint with the local police commander, Colonel Freddy Pacheco Escobar, who issued an order to protect Ponce and his home.
There are two paramilitary groups fighting for power in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The conflict has generated tension in the area.
