The message sent to Tarquino Gonzáles Concho stated that the journalist is being "watched by anti-imperialism factions from both within and outside the country."
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 4 June 2010, Tarquino Gonzáles Concho, a journalist for the “La Prensa” newspaper and a candidate for the position of secretary general of the National Journalists’ Association (CNP) in Barinas, received a threatening text message.
The message originated from a number outside of Venezuela and stated that the reporter is being “watched by anti-imperialist factions, from both within and outside the country.” Gonzáles was warned not to meddle with journalists who are considered “illegal”.
Gonzáles received the message after he made reference to journalism that is being practiced illegally and his plans to confront it if he is elected to the position he is aspiring to in the CNP.
IPYS condemns the threat against González and demands an investigation and punishment of those found to be responsible for it.
