(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned an attack in which shots were fired at Juan Augusto Roa, a correspondent for the daily newspaper “ABC Color”, based in the city of Encarnación, in southern Paraguay. “We are extremely concerned by the evident return of violence and intimidation against journalists in Paraguay,” the press freedom […]
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned an attack in which shots were fired at Juan Augusto Roa, a correspondent for the daily newspaper “ABC Color”, based in the city of Encarnación, in southern Paraguay.
“We are extremely concerned by the evident return of violence and intimidation against journalists in Paraguay,” the press freedom organisation said. “We call on the authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the motives for this attack and to do their utmost to see that the perpetrators of this crime are punished.”
The organisation also called for the investigation into the disappearance of journalist Enrique Galeano, who has been missing since 10 February 2006, to be actively pursued.
“The outcome of these inquiries will demonstrate how much the authorities care about journalists, who are frequently mistreated and harassed in the country,” RSF added.
Juan Augusto Roa fortunately escaped unharmed after two men on a motorbike opened fire as he was driving his car, just before midnight (local time), between the suburbs of Mayor Otaño and Itapúa on 27 February 2006.
One bullet hit the windshield and a second only clipped the car. The journalist stopped and leaped out, taking refuge at the side of the road. The two men continued on their way without stopping.
Juan Augusto Roa reported the incident to police at Yatytay and the two men are currently being sought.
The region is a hub of trafficking in drugs and stolen cars. Juan Augusto Roa had investigated and reported on cases of this kind as well as on local corruption.
