**Updates IFEX CH alert dated 11 April 1995** On 11 April 1995 CPJ sent a protest letter to Colombian President Ernesto Samper expressing concern over recent threats and attacks against Colombian journalists in the cities of Cali and Valledupar, Colombia. According to Colombian reporters, national correspondents reporting on recent anti-drug sweeps in Cali have been […]
**Updates IFEX CH alert dated 11 April 1995**
On 11 April 1995 CPJ sent a protest letter to Colombian President Ernesto Samper expressing concern over recent threats and
attacks against Colombian journalists in the cities of Cali
and Valledupar, Colombia. According to Colombian reporters,
national correspondents reporting on recent anti-drug sweeps in
Cali have been threatened by alleged members of the Cali drug
cartel.
Later on 11 April, President Samper faxed a reply to the CPJ inwhich he professed a commitment to freedom of the press, andindicated that he had ordered the National Police and Department ofSecurity to conduct investigations into any reported attack onpress freedom and grant protection to journalists that request it.On 10 April, leaders of the Cali drug cartel issued a statementpublished in the Colombian daily “El Espectador” denyingallegations that they had threatened journalists who were coveringa special army and police team search for them, reports the Reuternews agency.
Recommended Action
Please discontinue appeals to President Samper for the time being.
However, appeals should be sent to the media below:
fearing that these incidents could represent the start of a newcampaign against journalists covering the drug trade
Appeals To
QAP (news program)
Fax: +57 1 243 6001
“El Tiempo” (newspaper)
Fax: +57 1 410 5088
“El Espectador” (daily)h)0*0*0*Fax: +57 1 261 3330
“El Pais” (Cali newspaper)
Fax: +57 2 880 6207
Noticiera las Siete
Fax: +57 1 288 3757
