11 May 2005
SELF-CENSORSHIP, IMPUNITY PERVASIVE
Despite a decline in the number of journalists killed in Colombia, the media continue to work in a climate of fear and pervasive self-censorship, according to a new report by the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa, FLIP).
Released on 3 May 2005, the report reveals that attacks on journalists (murders, threats, arrests) from January to April 2005 were virtually equal to that recorded during the same months in 2004.
FLIP registered 16 cases of attacks in the first four months of this year, compared to 17 cases in the first four months of 2004.
The number of murders of journalists has also fallen. Only one journalist has been killed so far this year, compared to five journalists killed in 2003 and two in 2004.
Although the statistics may give the impression that press freedom has improved, serious concerns remain, says FLIP. Violence against the media has made journalists less willing to report on sensitive issues. Self-censorship among journalists is pervasive.
This concern has been echoed by the Organization of American States' Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, who visited Colombia from 25 to 29 April 2005. Eduardo Bertoni expressed concern about "the very strong environment of self-censorship among journalists and the media, as well as the persistent impunity registered in crimes against journalists."
Many journalists, especially those in rural areas, told Bertoni that they avoided publishing information on certain topics or changed their editorial line due to fear of retaliation. Government officials indicated that media are scared to report on issues related to Colombia's civil conflict, the activity of illegal armed groups, drug trafficking and corruption.
The impunity surrounding the killing of journalists is also a serious problem, said Bertoni. In many cases, authorities have made little progress on investigations. Bertoni has called on Colombian authorities to speed up investigations and to strengthen its measures to protect journalists.
Visit these links:
- FLIP: http://www.flip.org.co/
- Statement by OAS Rapporteur: http://www.cidh.org/Relatoria/showarticle.asp?artID=540&lID=1
Reports on Colombia by other IFEX members:
- Committee to Protect Journalists: http://www.cpj.org/attacks04/americas04/colombia.html
- Freedom House: http://tinyurl.com/bwtmf
- International Press Institute:
http://www.freemedia.at/wpfr/Americas/colombia.htm
- Reporters Without Borders: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=13215&Valider=OK
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