(IPYS/IFEX) – On 19 September 2003, Nilo Jiménez, a photojournalist for “El Tiempo” daily, in Puerto La Cruz, Anzoátegui state, northeastern Venezuela, was insulted and threatened by three individuals. Shortly after 10:00 p.m. (local time) on 19 September, Jiménez received a call on his mobile phone during which he was told that a youth had […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 19 September 2003, Nilo Jiménez, a photojournalist for “El Tiempo” daily, in Puerto La Cruz, Anzoátegui state, northeastern Venezuela, was insulted and threatened by three individuals.
Shortly after 10:00 p.m. (local time) on 19 September, Jiménez received a call on his mobile phone during which he was told that a youth had been assassinated in the Bolívar municipality’s Razetti II neighbourhood, (Anzoátegui state).
The photojournalist headed to the site to report on the incident. He arrived before the police and found himself surrounded by three youths. Jiménez’s camera equipment and cap identified him as a member of the press. One of the individuals began insulting the media, saying, “What are you here for, to write whatever you feel like? [The press] is always writing lies. That is why photographers get killed.”
At one point, Jiménez had the impression that the young man was going to pull out a gun. The photojournalist told the youth that he was leaving and started to slowly move toward his vehicle.
As Jiménez was being followed to his car, he realised that one of the youths was holding a large stone. Two of the individuals pulled out their guns and one of them pointed it at the journalist’s chest. According to Jiménez, fearing for his life, he got into the car and started to leave, at which point one of the youths threw a rock at the vehicle’s back door.
On 21 September, Jiménez filed a complaint with the Anzoátegui State Public Prosecutor’s Office.
