Colombia

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) issued a historic ruling in the case of journalist Jineth Bedoya Lima against Colombia, in which it analyzes for the first time the use of sexual violence as a form of silencing and control against a woman journalist in the context of the Colombian armed conflict.

Colombian authorities must thoroughly investigate the killing of journalist Marcos Efraín Montalvo, determine if he was targeted for his work, and bring those responsible to justice.

Journalists’ investigations of political issues, corruption, and organized crime in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Honduras accounted for 139 murders of media professionals during 2011-2020. Half of these journalists had received threats related to their work.

“We see the withdrawal of the state as another obstacle to achieving justice for Jineth Bedoya. IFEX will continue to stand with her. After 20 years, this will not deter her in her fight. The misogynistic culture that allows women to be treated in this way must come to an end,” said IFEX Executive Director Annie Game.

Colombia’s National Agency for Legal Defense alleged that the majority of the Inter-American Court’s judges are not impartial in the case. The State decided to leave the hearing, and the State’s witness did not appear to testify before the Court.

Colombian authorities should thoroughly investigate death threats received by Caracol TV employees and ensure they can work freely.

The Committee to Protect Journalists today condemned a Colombian appellate court’s decision ordering journalist Vicky Dávila Hoyos and media outlet RCN to pay damages for reports broadcast in 2014 on alleged police corruption.

IFEX-ALC, Media Defence and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) oppose all acts of intimidation from the Colombia Prosecutor General’s against the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) and the journalist Diana Díaz. They also urge the Colombian authorities to ensure respect for the work of journalists and organizations defending and promoting freedom of expression.

Colombian authorities should not pursue criminal defamation charges against journalists Catalina Ruiz-Navarro and Matilde de los Milagros Londoño.

Colombian Vice President Marta Lucía Ramírez should drop her criminal defamation suit against “InSight Crime” journalist Jeremy McDermott, CPJ said.

An investigation has revealed a list of 130 individuals subjected to profiling by the Colombian military, including 30 journalists – among them correspondents for the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, NPR, and a National Geographic photographer, all US citizens. IFEX Regional Editor Paula Martins looks at the recent events – and the broader ramifications.

Despite the information available, we are unable to fully comprehend the extent of the illegal actions ordered by a security force that, rather than persecuting and stigmatising us, has an obligation to provide guarantees for our work as journalists.

Profiling and surveillance – practices characteristic of authoritarian regimes – contravene the government’s freedom of expression obligations and raise questions about society’s right to information and guarantees for the work of journalists.

CPJ joined more than 100 civil society organizations in an open letter calling on Colombia’s National Protection Unit to adopt measures to ensure the safety of journalists and other human rights defenders under increased threat due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Committee to Protect Journalists expressed alarm at a new report alleging that Colombian military intelligence officials carried out an extensive monitoring operation targeting more than 130 individuals, including more than 30 journalists.

The issue of violence against journalists who cover organised crime in border areas requires effective and coordinated transnational cooperation. With this in mind, the IACHR proposed that Ecuador and Columbia provide a joint response in the case of the “El Comercio” reporting team. Many lessons have been learned.