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Alert

FLIP declared a "military target" by paramilitary group; columnist receives similar threat

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 7 June 2006, several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including FLIP, received an e-mail message signed by the "Free Colombia Democratic Front" ("Frente Democrático Colombia Libre"). This threat follows others of a similar nature sent to the University of Antioquia, the National University, columnist Iván Cepeda and a human rights lawyers' group, the Colectivo de Abogados José Alvear Restrepo.

The text is addressed to: "revolutionaries disguised as NGOs, supposed leaders, big-shot lawyers and journalists camouflaged as civilians, hidden behind their columns." Aside from describing the organisations as being guerrillas, it accuses them of discrediting Colombia overseas, before the "community of friendly countries at the negotiation table in Ralito."

The message adds, "We have begun to prove to you that we're not playing around, we left the ones in Barranca [Barrancabermeja] laid out, that's where we've started, but it won't be long before we begin taking action in the capitals, like Barranquilla, Medellín, Cali, Bucaramanga, Cúcuta, Manizales, Pasto and Bogotá."

FLIP urges Prosecutor General (Fiscal General de la Nación) Mario Iguarán to investigate the origin of these e-mailed messages. It also asks the national government to provide guarantees for the safety of organisations promoting freedom of expression in Colombia in order for them to continue their work.

FLIP also reiterates its recommendation to the government's High Commissioner for Peace, Luis Carlos Restrepo, that he investigate if demobilised armed groups are behind these recent threats to journalists, and this threat in particular.