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Alert

Individual accused of murdering journalist captured in Cauca department

(FLIP/IFEX) - The police have said that, on 8 July 2009, Arley Manquillo Rivera, alias "Huracán", was captured in the department of Cauca, in southwestern Colombia. Manquillo Rivera has been accused of murdering journalist José Everardo Aguilar on 24 April in the municipality of Patía.

According to the police's First Division commander in Cauca, the judicial police managed to identify Manquillo Rivera with the assistance of witnesses.

With respect to possible clues that would enable the police to identify who ordered the killing, the commander said that they are following certain leads but that they are not giving out information at this point in time in order to avoid jeopardising the investigation. According to other police sources, Manquillo is alleged to have received 15 million pesos (approx. US$7,5000) from a criminal group called "Los Rastrojos", who originate from a paramilitary faction, to carry out the murder. It appears that Aguilar's constant coverage and criticism of corruption in the area was the motive for the crime. Sources in the region told FLIP that Aguilar's programme often covered issues relating to corruption within the municipal and departmental governments. The 72-year-old journalist had 10 children and had been working as correspondent in Patía for Radio Súper for more than 10 years.

FLIP welcomes the progress in the case and hopes that the justice system will punish those responsible for Aguilar's murder, including not only the actual killer but also those who ordered the assassination.