(IFJ/IFEX) – According to press organisation Prensa Libreâs information, on 16 August investigators from the attorney generalâs Technical Investigations Body (Cuerpo Técnico de Investigacion, CTI) searched RCN TVâs offices. The objective of the search was to obtain images that were broadcast by the news programme on 15 June, showing an interview with a member of […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – According to press organisation Prensa Libreâs information, on 16 August investigators from the attorney generalâs Technical Investigations Body (Cuerpo Técnico de Investigacion, CTI) searched RCN TVâs offices. The objective of the search was to obtain images that were broadcast by the news programme on 15 June, showing an interview with a member of a paramilitary group about a communique his organisation had released, stating that the National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberacion Nacional, ELN) is being cleared out of southern BolÃvar.
In a letter sent to the director of RCN TV news, Attorney General Alfonso Gomez Mendez noted that he “did not support the procedures used by CTIâs agents if, as the director of RCN TV stated, the news station was not previously informed about the purpose of the search warrant, and if the investigators did not identify themselves, or used veiled or indirect threats.”
In response, RCN TV broadcast the following communication: “On 16 August 2000 at 11:00 a.m., a commission from the Technical Investigation Body of the Human Rights Prosecutorâs office searched RCN TVâs installations. Their objective was to carry out a search warrant on the news programmeâs archives in order to obtain unedited audiovisual material relating to a news report that was broadcast by the station on 15 June.
“In this regard, RCN News would like to make the following statements to clarify matters for the public:
“1. Due to concern that this search warrant could possibly result in the release of archival materials which would violate the confidentiality of sources and professional secrets, an urgent formal meeting with the attorney general has been solicited.
“2. In the meeting, the attorney general took a firm stand that the institution which he directs must respect the right of journalists to keep their sources confidential and to maintain professional secrecy. Today, RCN News received an official letter from the Attorney General which makes the following key statements:
“âThe attorney general respects the important role of the press in contributing to the formation of public opinion.
“âAt the same time, the attorney general has the right to obtain edited and non-edited material from the press during the investigation of offences, and has the right to carry out judicially warranted inspections, at all times, but only – we reiterate – when they strictly respect the confidentiality of sources and professional secrecy…
“âThe attorney general insists on the Public Prosecutorâs policy of respecting – in all circumstances – the freedom in which the press must operate, and above all, the confidentiality of sources and professional secrecy.â
“3. RCN News reiterates its willingness to collaborate with judicial investigations, as has occurred in this particular case. Copies of the edited material that was broadcast from the station were sent on two occasions. In concurrence with the opinion of the attorney general, this unswerving willingness exists at all times, but only when the rights of confidential sources and professional secrecy are absolutely respected.
“4. RCN News reiterates that in this particular case, the material cannot be taken from our archives because, eventually, this could violate the rights of confidential sources and professional secrecy.
“5. RCN News is concerned about the fact that these types of warrants are being served to press agencies, however, RCN News is pleased with the attorney generalâs clear position, which reaffirms his committment to the fact that a free press and the respect for confidential sources and professional secrecy are fundamental pillars of democracy.
“Ãlvaro GarcÃa, Director General of RCN News”
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
- demanding an immediate investigation into the situation and the perpetratorsâ punishment
Appeals To
Andres Pastrana Arango
President of the Republic
Kra. 8 n. 7-26
Santa Fe de Bogotá
Fax: +571 286 74 34/286 79 37/284 21 86
E-mail: pastrana@presidencia.gov.co
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
