(FLIP/IFEX) – On 2 October 2004, “Semana” magazine published an editorial in which it reported that it had received threats and that state security personnel are tapping the mobile and home telephones of some of the magazine’s journalists. “Semana” has a policy of not publishing editorials, but in this case decided to make an exception […]
(FLIP/IFEX) – On 2 October 2004, “Semana” magazine published an editorial in which it reported that it had received threats and that state security personnel are tapping the mobile and home telephones of some of the magazine’s journalists.
“Semana” has a policy of not publishing editorials, but in this case decided to make an exception after having previously published fragments of a conversation between commanders of the paramilitary United Self-Defence Groups of Colombia (Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia, AUC) and Luis Carlos Restrepo, the high commissioner for peace. It appears that the harassment to which “Semana” and its employees are being subjected may be linked to this story. The individuals behind the harassment, however, have not been identified.
“Semana” has asked the authorities to investigate the illegal phone tapping.
The “Semana” editorial states that “debate on such crucial issues is necessary and should be carried out openly and with high standards. This is one of the press’s roles in a democracy, to contribute to public discussion on important issues. At times, this involves opening up old wounds and uncovering issues that some people would like to see remain hidden.”
FLIP agrees with the magazine’s stance, believing that one of the most important roles the media plays is that of informing people about events that affect them. This is particularly important in an armed conflict where truth is one of the first victims.
FLIP calls on the Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the origin of the threats and determine who has tapped the “Semana” journalists’ telephones.
