(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) – On 20 November 2002, Justo Omar Saracho, Tinogasta municipality (Catamarca province) councellor in charge of commerce, threatened to kill journalist Oscar Álvarez, of the Conexion FM radio station. One week earlier, Álvarez had broadcast a report condemning Saracho for alleged irregularities in the closure of a business venture in the town centre. On […]
(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) – On 20 November 2002, Justo Omar Saracho, Tinogasta municipality (Catamarca province) councellor in charge of commerce, threatened to kill journalist Oscar Álvarez, of the Conexion FM radio station. One week earlier, Álvarez had broadcast a report condemning Saracho for alleged irregularities in the closure of a business venture in the town centre.
On the morning of 20 November, Álvarez was on his way to a pharmacy located on the lower level of the municipal office building, when he came upon a group of individuals, including Saracho and former municipal executive secretary Hugo Carreras. According to Álvarez, he was insulted by Carreras. A few minutes later, he was intercepted by Saracho, who was accompanied by Carreras. In front of other witnesses, Saracho insulted the journalist and threatened to kill him if he continued his reporting.
On 21 November, Álvarez reported the threats to the 5th Division of the Tinogasta-Catamarca Regional Police. The next day, he sent a letter to Mayor Luis Roberto informing him of the incident. On 4 December, Saracho defended his actions on FM Tinogasta and said he would send a letter to Álvarez.
