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Alert

Investigation points to suicide as reason for journalist's death

(ANP/IFEX) - On 8 August 2011, the Public Prosecutor's Office presented the results of an investigation into the death of David Niño de Guzmán, news director at Agencia de Noticias Fides (ANF). After reviewing the evidence, the Public Prosecutor's Office concluded that the journalist committed suicide.

According to the investigation, Niño de Guzmán died on 20 April as a result of injuries caused by the detonation of a bomb that he himself had manufactured. "There was no other evidence of violence beyond that which was caused by the explosion. He held the bomb to his chest. He was not tied and his hands showed no injuries," said Sergio Céspedes, the prosecutor in charge of the case.

"He was disturbed emotionally according to the psychological assessment. He was unable to overcome his problems and emotional difficulties and, as a result, committed suicide," Céspedes added. The prosecutor now considers the case closed unless new evidence is presented to justify re-opening it within the one-year time frame prescribed by law.

(Please note this is an abridged translation.)