Journalist attacked

(RSF/IFEX) – According to information released by RSF on 30 April 1998, journalist Amilcar Nuila was the victim of an attack in Coban (in the northern part of the country), in the district of Haut Verapaz. On 30 April 1998, two grenades exploded in front of Nuila’s home. Nobody was injured in the attack, although […]

(RSF/IFEX) – According to information released by RSF on 30 April 1998,
journalist Amilcar Nuila was the victim of an attack in Coban (in the
northern part of the country), in the district of Haut Verapaz. On 30 April
1998, two grenades exploded in front of Nuila’s home. Nobody was injured in
the attack, although there was damage to property. Nuila is a correspondent
for several national media outfits, including the daily “Prensa Libre” and
the television news programme “TV Notisiete.”

The journalist, who is also the director of a local radio news programme,
“Mail of the North” (Correo del Norte), has been covering for that programme
the trial of an army patroller accused of having carried out, on 5 October
1995, the massacre of Xaman. Eleven people were killed in the massarcre in
that community of “retornados” (repatriates) of Haut Verapaz. The trial was
adjourned on 27 April 1998.

Nuila told RSF that he had not received any explicit threats recently, but
that he has received intimidating phone calls over the last two years. These
phone calls began after Nuila’s home was targeted with a first bombing
attempt, on 28 February 1996, in which two homemade explosives partially
destroyed the facade of the building.

RSF considers this aggression a serious blow to freedom of the press.

Recommended Action

Mr. Alvaro Arzu

President of the Republic

Guatemala City – Guatemala

Fax: + 502 2 537472/519702/347364/515667/214537