About IFEX:

News by region:

IFEX Campaigns and Advocacy:

IFEX Email Products:

Opportunities and assistance:

Articles - Colombia

---

Colombia

Bomb attack targets former minister

A radio talk show host who used to be a government minister was injured in a bombing in Bogotá shortly after he criticised a constitutional amendment that would open the doors to peace talks with rebel groups, report the Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa (FLIP) and other IFEX members. There has been no bombing in the capital since 2003.

Colombia

Journalist killed in violence-ridden area

Independent journalist Luis Eduardo Gómez, who was also a witness for an investigation into links between politicians and paramilitaries, was gunned down last week in Arboletes, Antioquia, in northwest Colombia, report the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP), the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and other IFEX members. He is the first journalist to be killed in Colombia this year, notes the International Press Institute (IPI).

Colombia

Threatening pamphlets target media

"Keep supporting the leftist dogs and you will be dead; get out of the city." So reads a pamphlet anonymously left at a radio station in Barrancabermeja, Colombia, in what the Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa (FLIP) terms is a new method of intimidating the press.

Colombia

Indigenous leader and journalist killed

A respected indigenous leader and journalist was shot to death on 14 October in the department of Cauca, Colombia, report the Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa (FLIP) and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). Two men opened fire on Rodolfo Maya Aricape, the secretary of the López Adentro Indigenous Council and a correspondent for Radio Pa´yumat, while he was home with his wife and two daughters.

Colombia

FLIP releases innovative multimedia report on self-censorship

The Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) has launched a dynamic multimedia report breaking down the causes and consequences of self-censorship in Colombia. Restrictions on access to information, government-controlled advertising and sponsorship, and armed conflict have contributed to self-censorship, says the report (in Spanish only.) "Autocensura y prácticas periodísticas regionales" is a distillation of workshops with 140 journalists and 63 other sources, including police, governors and regional ombudsmen, throughout the country, offering video interviews, cartoons, profiles of journalists, and guides for protecting journalists, among other resources.

Colombia / United States

Journalist Hollman Morris permanently barred from entering the US

Prominent Colombian journalist Hollman Morris has been denied a visa to the US based on a "terrorist activities" provision of the Patriot Act, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the PEN American Center, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE). IFEX members are urging the US to lift the travel ban.

Colombia

FLIP report examines press freedom during elections

The Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) has released a new report detailing the press freedom situation in Colombia during the presidential electoral process in March and June. Relying on a network of journalists to provide first-hand information, FLIP was able to monitor the transparency of elections.

Colombia

Journalists under surveillance by intelligence forces

A witch-hunt of journalists and activists critical of the government during outgoing Colombian President Alvaro Uribe's two terms in power has been detailed in a report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). "Chuzadas: Colombian media targeted by intelligence services" was released three days before presidential elections on 30 May after an RSF delegation visited Colombia from 16 to 20 May. At the same time, a delegation of the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters - Latin America and the Caribbean (AMARC-ALC) travelled to Colombia to determine the state of free expression and community radio.

Colombia

Editor slain after receiving threats

After receiving threats for years for reporting on links between local politicians, landowners and right-wing paramilitary groups, a 50-year-old Colombian journalist was shot to death on 19 March, report the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Colombia

FLIP report highlights illegal espionage as a major threat to press freedom

Illegal espionage is one of the most serious threats to press freedom in Colombia, says the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) in their 2009 report: "Interceptaciones y seguimientos ilegales: grave intimidación al periodismo colombiano" (Illegal wiretapping and monitoring: The severe intimidation of Colombian journalism).

Colombia

Reporter shot dead riding his motorcycle

A Colombian journalist was shot four times and killed on 22 September while riding his motorcycle to cover a story, report the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) and other IFEX members.

Colombia

Ten years on, IAPA asks authorities for justice in Garzón murder

Ten years since the murder of popular Colombian journalist Jaime Garzón, the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) is calling on the authorities to put "greater effort" into solving the case.

Colombia

Outspoken journalist gunned down

A journalist who is also a local community leader was killed in southern Colombia last month, report the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) and the Inter American Press Association (IAPA).

Colombia

FLIP founder leaves paper over political differences

One of the founding members of the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) has announced that he has been made to leave his paper because of a difference of political views, FLIP reports.

Colombia

AUTORIDADES DESCUBREN COMPLOT PARA ASESINAR AL PRESIDENTE DE LA SIP

Colombia

LES AUTORITÉS METTENT AU JOUR UN COMPLOT VISANT À ASSASSINER LE PRÉSIDENT DE LA SIP

Colombia

AUTHORITIES UNCOVER PLOT TO KILL IAPA PRESIDENT

Colombian authorities were able to foil an attempt by a left-wing guerrilla group to kill a journalist who is the president of IFEX member the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and a founder of the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP), IFEX's member in Colombia.

Colombia

Colombia: Authorities uncover plot to kill IAPA president

Colombia

ESPIONAJE TELEFÓNICO ILEGAL PONE EN RIESGO TRABAJO DE LOS PERIODISTAS Y FUENTES

Colombia

L'ÉCOUTE ÉLECTRONIQUE ILLÉGALE MENACE LE TRAVAIL ET LES SOURCES DES JOURNALISTES

Colombia

ILLEGAL WIRETAPPING JEOPARDISES JOURNALISTS' WORK AND SOURCES

The illegal wiretapping of prominent Colombian journalists endangers their work and compromises their confidential sources, say IFEX members the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Colombia

AUCUN JOURNALISTE N’A ÉTÉ ASSASSINÉ À CAUSE DE SON TRAVAIL EN 2008, DIT LA FLIP

Colombia

NO HUBO PERIODISTAS MUERTOS POR SU TRABAJO EN 2008, DICE FLIP

Colombia

NO JOURNALISTS MURDERED FOR WORK IN 2008, SAYS FLIP

In 2008, there were no job-related murders of journalists in Colombia, and press freedom violations decreased by 20 per cent, says a new report by the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP). But impunity for crimes against journalists and threats levelled against the media remain cause for concern, said FLIP.

Colombia

LES MEMBRES DE L’IFEX CÉLÈBRENT UNE VICTOIRE HISTORIQUE CONTRE L’IMPUNITÉ

Colombia

MIEMBROS DE IFEX CELEBRAN VICTORIA HISTÓRICA CONTRA LA IMPUNIDAD

Colombia

IFEX MEMBERS CELEBRATE HISTORIC VICTORY AGAINST IMPUNITY

In what the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP), the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) are calling a major victory against impunity in Colombia, a former mayor has been sentenced to 28 years in jail for ordering the 2003 killing of a journalist who had denounced the mayor as corrupt. It is the first time the mastermind of a journalist's killing in Colombia has been convicted and jailed since 1992, says CPJ.

Colombia

AUTORIDADES SUPRIMEN COBERTURA DE PROTESTAS INDÍGENAS

Colombia

LES AUTORITÉS SUPPRIMENT LA COUVERTURE DES PROTESTATIONS DES AUTOCHTONES

Colombia

AUTHORITIES SUPPRESS COVERAGE OF INDIGENOUS PROTESTS

At least one person was killed and more than 130 were wounded during indigenous demonstrations last week in several departments in Colombia. But with multiple press freedom violations being committed, you would be hard-pressed to find out what's going on.

Colombia

UN NOUVEAU DOSSIER FOUILLE EN PROFONDEUR LES RÉCENTES VIOLATIONS DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Colombia

NUEVOS INFORMES AHONDAN EN RECIENTES INFRACCIONES A LA LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Colombia

NEW REPORTS DIG DEEP INTO RECENT PRESS FREEDOM VIOLATIONS

In recent weeks, the Colombian authorities have been using legal proceedings to shut up journalists and news media - or their sources - who have been speaking out against them, says a new report by the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP). It's just one of a handful of reports that spotlight recent press freedom violations in Colombia.

Colombia

LES VIOLATIONS DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE EN DÉCLIN EN COLOMBIE, DIT LA FLIP

Colombia

PRESS FREEDOM VIOLATIONS ON THE WANE IN COLOMBIA, SAYS FLIP

Good news from Colombia: there were fewer press freedom violations in the first half of 2008 in Colombia than over the same period last year - likely because 2008 is not an election year, a new report by the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) has found.

Colombia

SE ACEPTAN NOMINACIONES PARA PREMIO ORLANDO SIERRA AL VALOR 2008

Colombia

ON SOLLICITE DES MISES EN NOMINATION EN VUE DE L'ATTRIBUTION DU PRIX « ORLANDO-SIERRA » DU COURAGE 2008

Colombia

NOMINATIONS WANTED FOR ORLANDO SIERRA PRIZE FOR COURAGE 2008

The Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP), "Semana" magazine and the energy company Petrobras are seeking nominations for the Orlando Sierra Prize, awarded to a regional journalist or organisation based in Colombia that demonstrates outstanding courage while working in risky and often difficult situations. The deadline for entries is 31 July 2008.

Colombia

LE DIRECTEUR DE LA FIJ-COLOMBIE REMPORTE UN PRIX ESPAGNOL DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE

Colombia

DIRECTOR DE FIP COLOMBIA GANA PREMIO ESPAÑOL DE PERIODISMO DE DERECHOS HUMANOS

Colombia

IFJ COLOMBIA DIRECTOR WINS SPANISH HUMAN RIGHTS JOURNALISM PRIZE

The director of the International Federation of Journalists' Solidarity Centre in Colombia (CESO-FIP) has won the Julio Anguita Parrado International Prize, the annual award from the Union of Andalucían Journalists in Spain, for his dedication to defending journalism and freedom of the press in Colombia.

Colombia

PERIODISTA ASESINADO EN MEDIO DE INUNDACIÓN DE AMENAZAS CONTRA MEDIOS

Colombia

UN JOURNALISTE EST TUÉ DANS UN FLOT DE MENACES ADRESSÉES AUX MÉDIAS

Colombia

JOURNALIST KILLED AMID FLOOD OF THREATS AGAINST MEDIA

A radio journalist was killed point blank in central Colombia on the country's Day of the Journalist, report the Solidarity Centre of the International Federation of Journalists in Colombia (CESO-IFJ), the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) and other IFEX members.

Colombia

FLIP ENCUENTRA QUE VALLE DEL CAUCA ES UNA DE LAS PEORES ÁREAS PARA LOS PERIODISTAS; GRUPO DE DERECHOS HUMANOS CONDENA VÍNCULO ENTRE GOBIERNO Y PARAMILITARES

Colombia

LA FLIP CONSIDÈRE QUE LE VALLE DEL CAUCA EST L'UNE DES PIRES RÉGIONS POUR LES JOURNALISTES DE COLOMBIE; UN GROUPE DE DÉFENSE DES DROITS DÉNONCE LES LIENS ENTRE LE GOUVERNEMENT ET LES PARAMILITAIRES

Colombia

FLIP FINDS VALLE DEL CAUCA ONE OF WORST AREAS FOR JOURNALISTS IN COLOMBIA; RIGHTS GROUP CONDEMNS GOVERNMENT/PARAMILITARY LINK

Valle del Cauca department in western Colombia has one of the highest rates of press freedom violations in the country, forcing journalists into silence, the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa, FLIP) has found.

Colombia

ASESINATO DE REPORTERO EXIGE UNA INVESTIGACIÓN ADECUADA, DICEN MIEMBROS DE IFEX

Colombia

LE MEURTRE D'UN REPORTER NÉCESSITE UNE ENQUÊTE APPROPRIÉE, DISENT DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX

Colombia

DES ATELIERS DE FLIPYS S'INTÉRESSENT À L'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION ET AU JOURNALISME D'ENQUÊTE EN COLOMBIE

Colombia

REPORTER'S MURDER NEEDS PROPER INVESTIGATION, IFEX MEMBERS SAY

Police were too quick to dismiss that a Colombian journalist found stabbed to death last week was killed because of his work, say the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundacíon para la Libertad de Prensa, FLIP), the Institute for Press and Society (Instituto de Prensa y Sociedad, IPYS) the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and other rights groups.

Colombia

FLIPYS WORKSHOPS ADDRESS ACCESS TO INFO AND INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM IN COLOMBIA

Alliance FLIPYS, a new partnership between the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundacíon para la Libertad de Prensa, FLIP) and the Institute for Press and Society (Instituto Prensa y Sociedad, IPYS) is running a series of workshops for journalists in Colombia on investigative journalism and access to information, with a special emphasis on how to uncover information on the "demobilised" paramilitaries.

Colombia

EN COLOMBIE, LES PARAMILITAIRES « DÉMOBILISÉS » SE MOQUENT DE TOUT, CONSTATE RSF

Colombia

PARAMILITARES "DESMOVILIZADOS" EN COLOMBIA QUEDAN IMPUNES POR ASESINATO, ENCUENTRA RSF

Colombia

"DEMOBILISED" PARAMILITARIES IN COLOMBIA GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER, RSF FINDS

What happened to the 30,000 paramilitaries recruited in Colombia in the 1980s to help fight the war on far-left guerrilla groups, supposedly "demobilised" by President Alvaro Uribe from 2003 to 2006? Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontieres, RSF) has found that nearly a quarter of them are still active - and behind some of the deadliest crimes against journalists in the country.

Colombia

LES MÉDIAS BAIGNENT DANS UN « CLIMAT DE TERREUR »

Colombia

"CLIMA DE ZOZOBRA" IMPERA EN MEDIOS

Colombia

"CLIMATE OF TERROR" PERVADES MEDIA

In Colombia, a "climate of terror" plagued the media in 2006, a year in which press freedom violations rose sharply, a new report by the Bogotá-based Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa, FLIP) has revealed.

Colombia

MISIÓN INTERNACIONAL APOYA MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN LOCALES

Colombia

UNE MISSION INTERNATIONALE APPUIE LES MÉDIAS LOCAUX

Colombia

INTERNATIONAL MISSION SUPPORTS LOCAL MEDIA

An international mission of press freedom and free expression organisations has urged the Colombian government to provide more protection for threatened journalists, curb media concentration, reform laws that restrict independent media, and improve working conditions for journalists.

Colombia

UN FESTIVAL DE POÉSIE COLOMBIENNE REMPORTE LE « NOBEL ALTERNATIF »

Colombia

FESTIVAL DE POESÍA COLOMBIANA GANA "NOBEL ALTERNATIVO"

Colombia

COLOMBIAN POETRY FESTIVAL WINS "ALTERNATIVE NOBEL"

The International Poetry Festival of Medellín in Colombia has been named co-winner of the 2006 Right Livelihood Award for "showing how creativity, beauty, free expression and community can flourish amongst and overcome deeply entrenched fear and violence."

Colombia

SEGUNDO PERIODISTA ASESINADO EN UN MES

Colombia

UN DEUXIÈME JOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ EN UN MOIS

Colombia

SECOND JOURNALIST KILLED IN A MONTH

Atilano Segundo Pérez Barrios, a commentator for Radio Vigía de Todelar in the northern Colombian city of Cartegena, was shot dead in his apartment on 22 August 2006, becoming the second journalist killed in the country in the past month, reported the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Institute for Press and Society (Instituto Prensa y Sociedad, IPYS), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Colombia

PRESENTADOR DE RADIO BALEADO

Colombia

UN PRÉSENTATEUR DE LA RADIO EST ABATTU

Colombia

RADIO PRESENTER GUNNED DOWN

Colombian authorities have been urged to thoroughly investigate the murder of community radio presenter Milton Fabián Sánchez, who was shot dead by gunmen on 9 August 2006 in the southeastern city of Yumbo.

Colombia

HAUSSE DU NOMBRE DES AGRESSIONS CONTRE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Colombia

PRESS FREEDOM ATTACKS ON THE RISE

Press freedom violations in Colombia increased significantly in the first four months of this year, compared to the same period in 2005, due in part to a spate of attacks on the media during the March 2006 elections, the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación par la Libertad de Prensa, FLIP) has found in a new report.

Colombia

LA FLIP ET LA FIJ APPUIENT UNE FORMATION EN SÉCURITÉ POUR LES JOURNALISTES COLOMBIENS

Colombia

UN ANIMATEUR DE LA RADIO TOMBE SOUS LES BALLES

Colombia

PRESENTADOR DE RADIO MUERE POR HERIDAS DE BALA

Colombia

FLIP, IFJ SUPPORT SAFETY TRAINING FOR COLOMBIAN JOURNALISTS

In Colombia, where a long-running conflict has made the country one of the most dangerous in the world for journalists, the Foundation for Press Freedom in Colombia (Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa, FLIP) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have been partnering with the International News Safety Institute (INSI) and the British security consultancy AKE Ltd. to deliver safety training for media organisations.

Colombia

RADIO HOST DIES FROM GUNSHOT WOUNDS

Gustavo Rojas Gabalo, a popular radio show host in Montería, Colombia, died on 20 March 2006, more than six weeks after being shot in the head by a gunman, reported the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para libertad de la prensa, FLIP) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Colombia

AGISSEZ ! COLOMBIE : LA SIP DEMANDE LA RÉOUVERTURE DE L'ENQUÊTE DANS UNE AFFAIRE DE MEURTRE

Colombia

¡ACTÚE! COLOMBIA: SIP INSTA A REAPERTURA DE CASO DE ASESINATO

Colombia

TAKE ACTION! COLOMBIA: IAPA URGES RE-OPENING OF MURDER CASE

21 February 2006

Colombia

LE VICE-PRÉSIDENT ANNONCE LA CRÉATION D'UN GROUPE DE TRAVAIL CHARGÉ D'ENQUÊTER SUR LES ATTAQUES CONTRE LES JOURNALISTES

Colombia

VICEPRESIDENTE ANUNCIA GRUPO DE TRABAJO PARA INVESTIGAR AGRESIONES CONTRA PERIODISTAS

Colombia

VICE PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES TASK FORCE TO INVESTIGATE ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS

Colombia's Vice President, Francisco Santos, has announced the creation of a task force charged with speeding up investigations into attacks and threats against journalists in the country, following a meeting with the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para la libertad de prensa, FLIP).

Colombia

UN EXPERT EN DROITS DE L'OEA EXIGE LA FIN DE L'IMPUNITÉ

Colombia

EXPERTO JURÍDICO DE OEA INSTA A PONER FIN A IMPUNIDAD

Colombia

OAS RIGHTS EXPERT URGES END TO IMPUNITY

The Colombian government should speed up investigations into the murders of journalists and strengthen resources for protecting those targeted for their reporting, says the Organization of American States' (OAS) Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression.

Colombia

LA PEUR S'EMPARE DES MÉDIAS À VALLE DEL CAUCA

Colombia

FEAR GRIPS MEDIA IN VALLE DEL CAUCA

In Colombia's southeastern province of Valle del Cauca, journalists are being cowed into silence by attacks and threats from drug traffickers, paramilitaries, guerrillas and local politicians, according to a new report by five national and international press freedom groups that visited the region in July 2005.

Colombia

ON CRAINT POUR LA SÛRETÉ DES JOURNALISTES MENACÉS

Colombia

TEMORES POR SEGURIDAD DE PERIODISTAS AMENAZADOS

Colombia

FEARS FOR SAFETY OF THREATENED JOURNALISTS

IFEX members have urged Colombian authorities to boost efforts to ensure the safety of journalists in the country, following death threats against three well-known reporters. On 16 March 2005, funeral wreaths were sent to the homes and offices of Hollman Morris, Daniel Coronell and Carlos Lozano. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the threats.

Colombia

AUTOCENSURE ET IMPUNITÉ GÉNÉRALISÉES

Colombia

AUTOCENSURA E IMPUNIDAD OMNIPRESENTES

Colombia

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).

Colombia

UN CLIMAT DE PEUR ÉTOUFFE LES MÉDIAS À CÚCUTA

Colombia

CLIMA DE TEMOR ATENAZA A MEDIOS EN CÚCUTA

Colombia

CLIMATE OF FEAR GRIPS JOURNALISTS IN CÚCUTA

Journalists in Colombia's eastern city of Cúcuta work in a climate of fear where attacks against the press go unpunished and self-censorship is the norm, according to a new report by Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Colombia

QU'IL Y AIT MOINS D'ATTAQUES CONTRE LES MÉDIAS MASQUE UNE CULTURE D'AUTO-CENSURE

Colombia

MENOR NÚMERO DE ATAQUES CONTRA MEDIOS ENMASCARA CULTURA DE AUTOCENSURA

Colombia

FEWER ATTACKS AGAINST MEDIA MASK CULTURE OF SELF CENSORSHIP

In Colombia, where a long-standing civil conflict has made the country one of the world's most dangerous for the press, 2004 appears at first glance to have been a safer year for journalists, according to a new report by the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para la libertad de prensa, FLIP).

Colombia

UN JOURNALISTE DE LA RADIO EST ABATTU, UN AUTRE EST MENACÉ

Colombia

PERIODISTA RADIOFÓNICO BALEADO; AMENAZAN A OTRO

Colombia

RADIO JOURNALIST GUNNED DOWN, ANOTHER THREATENED

IFEX members are calling for an investigation into the murder of a controversial radio show host in Cúcuta, perhaps one of the most dangerous cities in Colombia for journalists.

Colombia

PERIODISTAS COLOMBIANOS DEBATIERON SEGURIDAD EN MEDIOS Y REPORTAJE DE INVESTIGACIÓN

Colombia

COLOMBIAN JOURNALISTS DISCUSS MEDIA SAFETY, INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

The safety of journalists in Colombia and the challenges facing investigative reporters will take centre stage at a day-long conference in Bogota hosted on 30 September 2004 by the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para la libertad de prensa, FLIP) and the Institute for Press and Society (Instituto Prensa y Sociedad, IPYS).

Colombia

SIP SIGUE CASOS DE PERIODISTAS MUERTOS

Colombia

LA SIP SURVEILLE LES AFFAIRES DE JOURNALISTES ASSASSINÉS

Colombia

LÍDER PARAMILITAR SENTENCIADO POR ASESINATO DE PERIODISTA

Colombia

LE CHEF D'UN GROUPE PARAMILITAIRE EST CONDAMNÉ POUR LE MEURTRE D'UN JOURNALISTE

Colombia

PARAMILITARY LEADER SENTENCED FOR MURDER OF JOURNALIST

On 10 March 2004, a Bogotá criminal court sentenced Carlos Castaño Gil to 38 years in prison for masterminding the 1999 murder of journalist Jaime Garzón, but acquitted the two men accused of the actual crime owing to tainted evidence, reported the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa, FLIP).

Colombia

Un expert des Nations Unies appelle à une meilleure protection pour les journalistes de Colombie

Colombia

Experto de ONU insta a aumentar protección para periodistas Colombianos

Colombia

UN Expert Urges More Protection for Colombian Journalists

2 March 2004

Colombia

DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX ÉVALUENT LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE EN COLOMBIE

Colombia

MIEMBROS DE IFEX EVALÚAN LIBERTAD DE PRENSA EN COLOMBIA

Colombia

IFEX MEMBERS ASSESS PRESS FREEDOM IN COLOMBIA

Four IFEX members held a panel discussion this week in Colombia to look at the conflict-ridden country's prospects for press freedom in 2004. They said journalists face numerous challenges in reporting the news, including physical violence, impunity and a new anti-terrorism law that threatens their ability to protect sources.

Colombia

DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX CRITIQUENT UNE LOI ANTITERRORISTE

Colombia

MIEMBROS DE IFEX CRITICAN LEY ANTITERRORISMO

Colombia

IFEX MEMBERS CRITICISE ANTI-TERRORISM LAW

IFEX members are taking Colombian President Alvaro Uribe to task over his government's human rights record this week as he lobbies European Union (EU) officials in Brussels for more aid. They are calling attention to a new anti-terrorism law that poses a serious threat to press freedom, and to the impunity surrounding the murders of journalists in Colombia.

Colombia

UN JOURNALISTE DE LA TÉLÉVISION EST ABATTU

Colombia

PERIODISTA DE TV BALEADO

Colombia

TV JOURNALIST GUNNED DOWN

IFEX members have expressed concern over the murder of broadcast journalist William Soto Cheng, shot dead by unknown assailants in Buenaventura, Colombia on 18 December, 2003.

Colombia

DES JOURNALISTES AURAIENT ÉTÉ TUÉS

Colombia

PERIODISTAS SUPUESTAMENTE ASESINADOS

Colombia

JOURNALISTS REPORTEDLY KILLED

The Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para libertad de la prensa, FLIP), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) are investigating the reported murders of two journalists in India and Colombia this week to determine whether they were killed because of their work.

Colombia

UNE ANIMATRICE DE LA RADIO EST ASSASSINÉE

Colombia

RADIO HOST KILLED

IFEX members are calling on Colombian authorities to investigate the murder of Zully Esther Codina, a radio host shot dead in the city of Santa Marta on 11 November while waiting for a bus near her home.

Colombia

UN PROJET DE LOI ANTITERRORISTE SOULÈVE L'INQUIÉTUDE

Colombia

COLOMBIA: PROYECTO DE LEY ANTITERRORISMO SUSCITA ALARMA

Colombia

ANTI-TERRORISM BILL RAISES ALARM

The ability of journalists in Colombia to protect the confidentiality of their sources will be threatened if a proposed anti-terrorism bill is passed by the country's Senate, warns Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Colombia

UN ANNONCEUR DE LA RADIO EST ASSASSINÉ

Colombia

ASESINAN A PRESENTADOR DE RADIO

Colombia

RADIO ANNOUNCER MURDERED

The Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para la libertad de prensa, FLIP) is investigating the motives behind the murder of José Nel Muñoz, a radio announcer whose body was found near Puerto Libertad, Putumayo, on 5 October. Muñoz had gone missing the previous day after journeying from Puerto Asís to Puerto Libertad to host an event. His body was retrieved by his wife and local journalists, who said Muñoz may have been tortured, according to FLIP.

Colombia

DES JOURNALISTES COLOMBIENS REÇOIVENT DE LA FORMATION EN SÉCURITÉ

Colombia

PERIODISTAS COLOMBIANOS RECIBEN CAPACITACIÓN EN SEGURIDAD

Colombia

COLOMBIAN JOURNALISTS RECEIVE SAFETY TRAINING

Fifteen journalists from Colombia gained new skills in safety training last week, thanks to efforts led by the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para la libertad de prensa, FLIP) and the Antonio Nariño Project (Proyecto Antonio Nariño).

Colombia

LA FLIP LANCE UN MANUEL DE SÉCURITÉ POUR LES JOURNALISTES COLOMBIENS

Colombia

FLIP PRESENTA MANUAL DE SEGURIDAD PARA PERIODISTAS COLOMBIANOS

Colombia

FLIP LAUNCHES SAFETY MANUAL FOR COLOMBIAN JOURNALISTS

In Colombia, where dozens of journalists have been killed in the past decade and hundreds more threatened because of their work, the media need to know how to protect themselves. Now they have a guide containing just such information, thanks to the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para la libertad de prensa, FLIP).

Colombia

SE SOSPECHA QUE REBELDES MATARON A UN PERIODISTA Y LESIONARON A OTRO

Colombia

UN JOURNALISTE EST TUÉ ET UN AUTRE BLESSÉ : ON SOUPÇONNE LES REBELLES

Colombia

REBELS SUSPECTED AS ONE JOURNALIST KILLED, ONE INJURED

On 22 August, Juan Carlos Benavides Arévalo, a journalist with the community radio station Manantial Estéreo, was shot and killed at a checkpoint near the southern town of Puerto Caicedo, report the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa, FLIP), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). Jaime Conrado Juajibioy Cuarán, Benavides' colleague at the station, was also seriously injured when suspected rebels shot at their vehicle, which did not stop at the roadblock. The two journalists were travelling with a group to a meeting between President Alvaro Uribe and regional officials in Puerto Asís.

Colombia

DES MEMBRES DE L?IFEX EXIGENT PLUS DE PROTECTION POUR LES JOURNALISTES

Colombia

MIEMBROS DE IFEX INSTAN A DAR MÁS PROTECCIÓN A PERIODISTAS

Colombia

IFEX MEMBERS URGE MORE PROTECTION FOR JOURNALISTS

The Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundacion para libertad de prensa, FLIP), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) have urged the Colombian government to provide greater protection to journalists in the country, after a radio journalist was assassinated and 16 reporters in the region of Arauca received death threats.

Colombia

ENCORE UN JOURNALISTE ASSASSINÉ

Colombia

OTRO PERIODISTA ASESINADO

Colombia

ANOTHER JOURNALIST KILLED

The Colombian government's journalist protection program has come under criticism after a reporter under its purview was shot and killed early this morning in Arauca.

Colombia

PERIODISTA ASESINADO

Colombia

UN JOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ

Colombia

JOURNALIST KILLED

Radio journalist Oscar Salazar Jaramillo was found stabbed to death in his home yesterday in Sevilla, Colombia. Local authorities did not indicate whether Salazar had received threats, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) says.

Colombia

GROUPES DE DÉFENSE DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE LANCENT UNE CAMPAGNE DE SÉCURITÉ

Colombia

GRUPOS DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA INICIAN CAMPAÑA DE SEGURIDAD

Colombia

PRESS-FREEDOM GROUPS LAUNCH SAFETY CAMPAIGN

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para libertad de prensa, FLIP) called attention to the safety of journalists in Colombia last week, demanding an end to the assassinations and attacks that have made the country one of the most dangerous for journalists.

Colombia

DES JOURNALISTES SONT LIBÉRÉS

Colombia

PERIODISTAS LIBERADOS

Colombia

JOURNALISTS FREED

Freelance reporters Ruth Morris and Scott Dalton have been released following 11 days of captivity by armed rebels in eastern Colombia, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). The journalists were in good health and said they were treated decently.

Colombia

DEUX JOURNALISTES SONT ENLEVÉS, TROIS AUTRES SONT REMIS EN LIBERTÉ

Colombia

DOS PERIODISTAS SECUESTRADOS, OTROS TRES LIBERADOS

Colombia

TWO JOURNALISTS KIDNAPPED, THREE OTHERS RELEASED

As Unites States Special Forces troops arrived in Colombia last week to train Colombian troops in fighting rebels, five foreigners, including three journalists were kidnapped in the space of less than two days, prompting calls of alarm from press-freedom groups, including Colombia's Press Freedom Foundation (Fundacion para la libertad de prensa, FLIP), the Institute for Press and Society and the International Federation of Journalists.

Colombia

LA SIP DÉPÊCHE UNE MISSION SUR LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Colombia

SIP ENVÍA DELEGACIÓN DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Colombia

IAPA SENDS PRESS-FREEDOM DELEGATION

Press-freedom attacks in Colombia will be under the spotlight again this week as an Inter American Press Association (IAPA) delegation arrives in the country to meet with senior government leaders, including President Alvaro Uribe.

Colombia

LES MEMBRES DE L?IFEX SE MESURENT AUX MENACES CONTRE DES JOURNALISTES

Colombia

MIEMBROS DE IFEX CONFRONTAN AMENAZAS CONTRA PERIODISTAS

Colombia

IFEX MEMBERS CONFRONT THREATS AGAINST JOURNALISTS

Several IFEX members will be joining other press-freedom groups in Bogota, Colombia, in March for a conference calling attention to one of the most serious free-expression problems in the country – threats against journalists and impunity.

Colombia

UNE MISSION CONSTATE QUE LES MÉDIAS DE PROVINCE SONT EN DANGERCOLOMBIE :

Colombia

MISSION FINDS PROVINCIAL MEDIA IN DANGER

In Colombia's eastern province of Arauca, the news is in danger. Local journalists say freedom of expression has worsened since the murder last year of influential journalist Efraín Varela, and will be under threat as long as government troops and armed groups continue to violate journalists' right to inform without censorship or intimidation.

Colombia

L?ADMINISTRATEUR D?UNE STATION DE RADIO EST ASSASSINÉ

Colombia

ASESINAN A GERENTE DE ESTACIÓN DE RADIO

Colombia

RADIO STATION MANAGER MURDERED

Gimbler Perdomo Zamora, a radio station manager and former politician in Gigante, southwestern Colombia, was shot and killed on 1 December, report the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundacion para la libertad de prensa, FLIP), the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Colombia

UN SÉMINAIRE SUR LA LIBRE EXPRESSION SE PENCHE SUR L?ÉTHIQUE DES MÉDIAS

Colombia

SEMINARIO DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN ABORDA ÉTICA DE MEDIOS

Colombia

FREE-EXPRESSION SEMINAR TACKLES MEDIA ETHICS

Colombia's Foundation for New Latin American Journalism (Fundación Nuevo Periodismo Iberoamericano, FNPI) and the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) are holding a seminar on freedom of expression in December focused on media ethics and instilling an awareness of free-expression rights amongst the press, reports International Journalists' Network (IJNet).

Colombia

UN JOURNALISTE EST TUÉ DANS UNE EMBUSCADE

Colombia

PERIODISTA ASESINADO EN EMBOSCADA

Colombia

JOURNALIST KILLED IN AMBUSH

Both the Bogotá-based Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundacion para la Libertad de Prensa, FLIP) and the Institute for Press and Society (Instituto Prensa y Sociedad, IPYS) in Peru report that journalist Américo Viáfara was killed on 16 September in the city of Calí.

Colombia

DISTRIBUIDORA DE PERIÓDICO ASESINADA

Colombia

LA DISTRIBUTRICE D?UN JOURNAL EST ASSASSINÉE

Colombia

NEWSPAPER DISTRIBUTOR ASSASSINATED

Members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are suspected of being responsible for the murder of newspaper distributor Elizabeth Obando, abducted from a bus and shot on 11 July in Playarrica, report the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundacion para la Libertad de Prensa, FLIP) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Colombia

UN JOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ, DEUX AUTRES ÉCHAPPENT À LA MORT

Colombia

PERIODISTA ASESINADO; OTROS DOS ESCAPAN DE ASESINATO

Colombia

JOURNALIST KILLED; TWO OTHERS ESCAPE ASSASSINATION

The Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundacion para la libertad de prensa, FLIP), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Institute for Press and Society (Instituto Prensa y Sociedad, IPYS) have reported yet another journalist murdered in Colombia. On the evening of 17 July, Dennis Segundo Sánchez, long-time radio journalist for 95.5 Estero, was shot dead in front of his house in El Carmen de Bolivar, a town north of Bogotá.

Colombia

DEUX PROPRIÉTAIRES DE STATIONS DE RADIO SONT ASSASSINÉS

Colombia

ASESINAN A PROPIETARIOS DE ESTACIONES DE RADIO

Colombia

RADIO STATION OWNERS MURDERED

In Colombia - dubbed "the most dangerous country in the world" for journalists by the International Press Institute (IPI) - two radio station proprietors have been murdered in the space of a week.

Colombia

INFORME DE FLIP E IPYS REVELA CLIMA DE TEMOR DURANTE ELECCIONES

Colombia

RÉVÈLE L?EXISTENCE D?UN CLIMAT DE PEUR PENDANT LA CAMPAGNE ÉLECTORALE

Colombia

FLIP, IPYS REPORT REVEALS CLIMATE OF FEAR DURING ELECTIONS

The recent presidential elections in Colombia took place in a climate of fear and intimidation which prevented the press from reporting fully on the situation, concludes a report recently issued by the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundacion para la Libertad de Prensa, FLIP), the Institute for Press and Society (Instituto Prensa y Sociedad, IPYS) and the Antonio Nariño Project (Proyecto Antonio Nariño).

Colombia

UN JOURNALISTE EST ABATTU

Colombia

PERIODISTA MUERTO A TIROS

Colombia

JOURNALIST SHOT DEAD

Víctor Omar Acosta, a former reporter for several Colombian newspapers and radio stations, has been murdered in the western city of Yumbo, reports the Institute for Press and Society (Instituto Prensa y Sociedad, IPYS). On 14 May, two men shot him three times near his home. He died six hours after being transferred to a hospital in the city of Cali.

Colombia

À PRENDRE DES ENGAGEMENTS VIS-À-VIS DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Colombia

FLIP INVITA A CANDIDATOS A PRESIDENCIA A COMPROMETERSE CON LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Colombia

FLIP INVITES PRESS FREEDOM PLEDGES FROM PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

The Antonio Nariño Project for the Defence of Freedom of Expression and the Right to Information, of which Fundacion para la Libertad de Prensa (FLIP) is a partner, is celebrating World Press Freedom Day on 3 May with a conference to present an extensive report on such topics as journalists murdered in the past year (12), attacks against the media (car bombs and violence), threats against journalists (17), and the state of judicial investigations in these cases.

Colombia

MIEMBROS DE EQUIPO DE NOTICIAS DE TV ASESINADOS

Colombia

DEUX MEMBRES D?UNE ÉQUIPE DE NOUVELLES TÉLÉVISÉES PERDENT LA VIE

Colombia

TV NEWS CREW MEMBERS KILLED

Two members of a television news crew were killed in Colombia last week while reporting on fighting between army troops and rebels. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says Héctor Sandoval, a cameraman for RCN Television, and Wálter Lopez, a driver for the station, died after coming under fire on 11 April in a mountainous region near Cali, southwest Colombia. They were traveling in an area where army soldiers had been pursuing Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas who had recently kidnapped 13 provincial officials.

Colombia

UN JOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ

Colombia

PERIODISTA ASESINADO

Colombia

JOURNALIST MURDERED

The body of journalist Juan Carlos Gomez Diaz has been discovered in Aguachica, northeast Colombia, two days after the 23 year old was abducted by unknown assailants, report the Institute for Press and Society (Instituto Prensa y Sociedad, IPYS) and the Inter American Press Association (IAPA). Gomez Diaz, a radio announcer and programme assistant at La Voz de Aguachica, disappeared on the night of 1 April after visiting a friend. His body, which bore signs of torture, was found in the Magdalena River.

Colombia

LE CHEF DES PARAMILITAIRES SUBIT UN PROCÈS POUR LE MEURTRE D?UN JOURNALISTE

Colombia

LÍDER PARAMILITAR ENJUICIADO POR ASESINATO DE PERIODISTA

Colombia

PARAMILITARY LEADER ON TRIAL FOR JOURNALIST'S MURDER

More than two years after the murder of Colombian journalist Jaime Garzon, the government has decided to press charges against paramilitary leader Carlos Castaño and two other alleged killers. The Attorney General's Office (AGO) believes it has found sufficient evidence to convict Castaño, Juan Pablo Ortiz Agudelo and Edilberto Antonio Sierra Ayala although it says that it will continue to investigate other leads as the case develops, reports the Institute for Press and Society (Instituto Prensa y Sociedad, IPYS). Castaño is the leader of the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia, AUC); forces under his command have murdered at least four journalists since 1999, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Colombia

L?IMPUNITÉ SÉVIT DANS LES ASSASSINATS DE JOURNALISTES

Colombia

IMPUNIDAD IMPERA EN MUERTES DE PERIODISTAS

Colombia

IMPUNITY REINS OVER JOURNALISTS' DEATHS

The Institute for Press and Society (Instituto Prensa y Sociedad, IPYS) has released a report calling Colombia's justice system "ineffective and impotent," following a joint investigation with Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières) into press conditions in the war-torn country during 2001. The report finds that of the 12 journalists murdered last year, at least three were linked to the victims' investigative activities. IPYS notes with concern that the possibility of investigating these crimes and bringing their perpetrators to justice continues to be remote. In the last ten years, close to 40 journalists have been killed in the course of their duties; almost none of the murders has resulted in convictions, says IPYS.

Colombia

OTROS DOS PERIODISTAS ASESINADOS

Colombia

ENCORE DEUX JOURNALISTES ASSASSINÉS

Colombia

TWO MORE JOURNALISTS MURDERED

The ongoing violence in Colombia has claimed the lives of two more journalists in the past 10 days. On 23 January, Marco Antonio Ayala Cárdenas, a photographer for the daily "El Caleño", was gunned down outside the newspaper's offices by two individuals who were riding a motorcycle, say Instituto Prensa y Sociedad (IPYS) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). IPYS says six shots were fired at Ayala Cárdenas' head. He was brought to a nearby hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.

Colombia

WAN CELEBRARÁ CONFERENCIA DE "MEDIOS EN PELIGRO"

Colombia

L?AMJ TIENDRA UNE CONFÉRENCE SUR LE THÈME ?LES MÉDIAS EN DANGER?

Colombia

WAN TO HOST CONFERENCE ON MEDIA IN DANGER

Drawing international attention to Colombia, "the most dangerous country in the world" for journalists, will be the goal of a World Association of Newspapers-organised conference in March on violence against the media. "Media in Danger," co-hosted with the Inter American Press Association and the Colombian newspaper association Andiarios, will be held in Bogota from 21-23 March.

Colombia

UN JOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ; LA VIOLENCE CONTRE LA PRESSE PREND DE L?AMPLEUR

Colombia

PERIODISTA ASESINADO; EMPEORA VIOLENCIA CONTRA PRENSA

Colombia

JOURNALIST MURDERED; VIOLENCE AGAINST THE PRESS WORSENS

On 23 December 2001, Alvaro Alonso Escobar, proprietor of the Colombian newspaper "Region", was shot and killed by an unknown assailant in his home in Fundacion, Colombia, report the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) and the Inter American Press Association (IAPA). According to FLIP, an unidentified man arrived at Escobar's house in the evening and an argument ensued. Escobar was shot three times, after which the assailant fled on motorcycle. The chief of the Magdalena Police Department, Luis Mesa, told an IAPA source that Escobar's murder "was for personal reasons" and said he was not aware of any threats that had been made against the journalist.

Colombia

MISIÓN INVESTIGADORA ENCUENTRA QUE MEDIOS DE DEPARTAMENTOS ESTÁN EN PELIGRO

Colombia

DE VIOLENCIA CONTRA MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

Colombia

EST SURTOUT IMPUTABLE À UN GROUPE PARAMILITAIRE

Colombia

PARAMILITARY GROUP BLAMED FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST MEDIA

In Colombia, "violent acts against the media are perpetrated primarily by armed groups, and, above all, [by] the paramilitary United Self-Defence of Colombia (AUC)," concludes a report recently issued by the Institute for Press and Society (IPYS) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF).

Colombia

CONTEO DE PERIODISTAS MUERTOS CRECE CON OTROS TRES ASESINATOS

Colombia

TROIS AUTRES JOURNALISTES SONT TUÉS

Colombia

JOURNALISTS' DEATH TOLL GROWS WITH THREE MORE MURDERS

Three more Colombian journalists were murdered in the last week, according to reports from the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP), the Inter American Press Association (IAPA), the Institute for Press and Society (IPYS), the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF).

Colombia

ASESINAN A PERIODISTA DE RADIO

Colombia

UN REPORTER DE LA RADIO EST ASSASSINÉ

Colombia

RADIO REPORTER KILLED

Radio reporter Pablo Emilio Parra Castañeda has been shot and killed in central Tolima Department, report the Institute for Press and Society (IPYS) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Tolima municipal authorities told IPYS that they found the journalist's body, with two shots to the head, on the side of a road on 27 June.

Colombia

CUARTO PERIODISTA ASESINADO EN LAS ÚLTIMAS TRES SEMANAS; OTROS AMENAZADOS

Colombia

UN QUATRIÈME JOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ EN TROIS SEMAINES; D?AUTRES SONT MENACÉS

Colombia

FOURTH JOURNALIST KILLED IN LAST THREE WEEKS; OTHERS THREATENED

The body of radio journalist Edgar Tavera Gaona was found on 18 May in San Lorenzo in the municipality of Güepsa (Santander), reports the Human Rights section for Latin America of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The National Police say the journalist was reportedly killed by members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) as a result of his recent articles on the guerilla group's actions in the region. The 38 year-old journalist worked for a community radio station in Güepsa, notes IFJ. Gaona is the fourth journalist killed in Colombia since 27 April [See IFEX "Communique" #10-18 and #10-17.]">http://communique.ifex.org/articles.cfm?category=1%20Regional%20News&volume=10&issue_no=18&lng=english#3106">"Communique" #10-18 and #10-17.]

Colombia

SEMANARIO IZQUIERDISTA ES BLANCO DE OTRO ATAQUE; DESACTIVAN COCHE BOMBA

Colombia

UN HEBDOMADAIRE DE GAUCHE EST DE NOUVEAU CIBLÉ; UNE VOITURE PIÉGÉE EST DÉSAMORCÉ

Colombia

LEFTIST WEEKLY TARGETED AGAIN; CAR BOMB DEFUSED

Police defused a car bomb outside the office of the Communist Party newspaper "Voz" in Bogota on 21 May, report the Institute for Press and Society, the Human Rights section for Latin America of the International Federation of Journalists, Reporters sans frontières, and the Committee to Protect Journalists. The four organisations say that the 250-kilogram "cluster" bomb was packed into a pick-up truck in downtown Bogota. Carlos Lozano, editor of "Voz", blames the bomb plot on unspecified paramilitary groups, says CPJ. Last month, Lozano was named to a four-person commission set up to monitor official efforts to curb paramilitary attacks around the country. This particular cluster bomb is commercially manufactured in the United States to American military specifications and sold throughout the world, reports CPJ.

Colombia

DEUX AUTRES JOURNALISTES SONT ASSASSINÉS

Colombia

OTROS DOS PERIODISTAS ASESINADOS

Colombia

TWO MORE JOURNALISTS KILLED

Two more journalists have been killed in Colombia, bringing the total number of killings to three in a single week. Carlos Alberto Trespalacios, communications director for the Medellín Municipality Sports and Recreation Institute, was assassinated on 30 April in Medellín, reports the Human Rights section for Latin America of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). Meanwhile, Yesid Marulanda Romero, a 31 year-old journalist with Notípacifico TV News, was murdered on 3 May, World Press Freedom Day, according to IFJ and the Institute for Press and Society (IPYS). Marulanda, a sports commentator, was shot by three armed men in Cali, says IPYS.

Colombia

DE LA MISMA ESTACIÓN, AUC VINCULADAS AL ASESINATO DE GARZÓN

Colombia

DEUX JOURNALISTES D?UNE MÊME STATION SONT ASSASSINÉS; LES AUC SONT RELIÉES AU ME

Colombia

TWO JOURNALISTS FROM SAME STATION MURDERED, AUC LINKED TO GARZÓN?S MURDER

On 13 December, Alfredo Abad Lopez, director of the radio station Voz de la Selva (Voice of the Jungle) in the southern city of Florencia, was shot and killed, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Instituto Prensa y Sociedad (IPYS), the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). Abad was shot at point-blank range by two men on a motorcycle, state the reports. While the motive for the assassination and the identity of the attackers remain unclear, CPJ reports that a confidential source familiar with Florencia's militant groups said Abad appeared to have been murdered by paramilitary gunmen after he began investigating the recent death of one of his colleagues.

Colombia

LES PARAMILITAIRES SONT IMPLIQUÉS DANS DES MEURTRES DE JOURNALISTES

Colombia

PARAMILITARES IMPLICADOS EN ASESINATOS DE PERIODISTAS

Colombia

PARAMILITARIES IMPLICATED IN JOURNALISTS' MURDERS

On 15 November, radio correspondent Gustavo Rafael Ruiz Cantillo was shot by two men in Pivijay, northern Colombia, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). While police state that they are still investigating the identity of the attackers, the journalist's former colleagues at Radio Galeon allege that Ruiz was killed by members of a right-wing paramilitary group that operates in the region. The sources add that the group is "not linked to the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), a nationwide alliance of right-wing groups, but was rather a gang of hired gunmen financed by the rich people in the area." Ruiz, who received threats by the armed group twice, was warned by them to "stop reporting bad news about Pivijay and to give up that big mouth's job." IAPA states that while it is gravely concerned with the situation of violence in Colombia in general, its concern is even greater in the case of a murdered journalist because such an act silences the right and ability of citizens to be informed.

Colombia

PRESENTAN PROGRAMA DE PROTECCIÓN A PERIODISTA

Colombia

LANCEMENT D?UN PROGRAMME DE PROTECTION DES JOURNALISTES

Colombia

JOURNALIST PROTECTION PROGRAMME INTRODUCED

While the Colombian government has taken some recent steps towards greater freedom of expression in Colombia, it fails to take action on a number of cases of attacks against journalists, says the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). On 18 August, under Decree 1592, the Colombian government announced its establishment of a journalist protection programme. The Program for the Protection of Journalists and Social Communicators aims to protect the rights of Colombians to be informed truthfully by addressing the threats that face both journalists and organisations that protect journalists, reports the International Journalists Network (IJNet). Additionally, in a 28 June letter addressed to CPJ, President Pastrana emphasised his commitment "to strengthen the actions [the government] has taken in defense of freedom of expression."

Colombia

PERIODISTA DE TELEVISIÓN ASESINADA

Colombia

UNE JOURNALISTE DE LA TÉLÉVISION EST ASSASSINÉE

Colombia

TELEVISION JOURNALIST MURDERED

Journalist Marisol Revelo Baron was assassinated on 4 July on the doorstep of her home in Tumaco, in the southwestern department of Nariño, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Press Institute (IPI) and the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA). Local sources say that on the evening of 4 July, two gunmen on a motorcycle stopped in front of Revelo's house. When Revelo came to the door, the attacker fired five shots, killing her instantly.

Colombia

PERIODISTAS SE ENFRENTAN A ASESINATO, EXILIO Y AMENAZAS CONSTANTES

Colombia

À L?EXIL ET À D?AUTRES MENACES CONSTANTES

Colombia

JOURNALISTS FACE MURDER, EXILE AND ONGOING THREATS

Attacks on journalists continue to intensify in Colombia and international journalist associations should "create a permanent observatory to monitor press freedom violations" in the country, urged exiled Colombian journalist Francisco Santos Calderon at the opening ceremonies of the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) Annual Meetings in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With seven journalists killed last year and four journalists already murdered in the year 2000 in Colombia, "Colombia needs this solidarity and action.... before it is too late," said Santos. A peace activist and editor of "El Tiempo", Santos went into exile earlier this year after learning of a plot to murder him, reports WAN. An international observatory to monitor violations against the media will be effective because "those who attack journalists are sensitive to international repercussions from their actions," noted Santos. The observatory would have a permanent office in Colombia and would investigate each violation, asserted Santos.

Colombia

ASSASSINAT DU DIRECTEUR D?UNE RADIO COMMUNAUTAIRE; AUTRES NOUVELLES

Colombia

ASESINAN A UN PERIODISTA; OTRAS NOTICIAS

Colombia

MEDIA WORKER MURDERED

On 9 February, media worker Antonio Gómez Gómez was shot and killed by unknown assailants, reports the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). Gómez was at home with his family when five men wearing hoods entered and killed him, reports RSF. Gómez was the owner of the radio station Echos of the Sierra (Ecos de la Sierra), in Palmor, municipality of Ciénaga-Magdalena, in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta and head of a cable televisionservice in the region. Gómez used his radio station to promote community action campaigns.

Colombia

DEUX EMPLOYÉS DES MÉDIAS SONT ASSASSINÉS

Colombia

ASESINAN A DOS TRABAJADORES DE MEDIOS

Colombia

TWO MEDIA WORKERS MURDERED

On 28 November, media workers Luis Alberto Rincon and Alberto Sánchez Tovar were assassinated five kilometers outside of El Playon in the department of Santander in Colombia, report Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and the International Press Institute (IPI). Freelance journalist Sánchez Tovar and freelance photographer Alberto Rincon were on their way to cover the municipal elections in El Playon that day. Both were shot at point-blank range and their equipment was stolen. RSF says that the "police suspect that the criminals were attempting to disguise the murder as a theft" and investigators believe that the paramilitary Colombian group United Self Defense Forces (Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia, AUC) may be responsible for the assassinations.

Colombia

PERIODISTA ASESINADO

Colombia

UN JOURNALISTE EST TUÉ

Colombia

JOURNALIST KILLED

Colombian journalist Guzmán Quintero Torres was killed on 16 September, report the Fundacion para la Libertad de Prensa in Colombia, Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) and the the Inter American Press Association (IAPA). Quintero Torres, editor-in chief of "El Pilon," was also

Colombia

ASESINAN AL PERSONAJE DE LOS MEDIOS JAIME GARZÓN

Colombia

UNE PERSONNALITÉ DU MONDE DES MÉDIAS, JAIME GARZÓN, EST ASSASSINÉE

Colombia

MEDIA PERSONALITY JAIME GARZÓN MURDERED

One of Colombia's most popular political humorists, Jaime Garzon, was killed on 13 August, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters sans frontières (RSF), the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and the International Press Institute (IPI). Garzon was driving to his job as morning host at the Bogota radio station Radionet when he was gunned down by two men on a motorcycle. The assassins managed to escape, reports RSF.

Colombia

MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN SUFREN, PRESIDENTE PROMETE INVESTIGAR

Colombia

LES MÉDIAS PÂTISSENT; LE PRÉSIDENT PROMET DE FAIRE ENQUÊTE

Colombia

MEDIA SUFFERS, PRESIDENT PROMISES TO INVESTIGATE

Freedom of the press is suffering in Colombia but the government has promised to investigate, according to Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and the Inter American Press Association (IAPA). On 23 June, RSF wrote to Colombian President Andrés Pastrana to encourage him to follow through with his promises to investigate crimes against journalists that have been carried out with impunity. "Since 1995, 18 journalists have been assassinated, nine media outlets have been the victims of bombings or attempted bombings, 20 media professionals have been kidnapped, at least 15 others have been threatened, and two others have had to leave the country and go into exile," reports RSF. According to the Foundation for Freedom of the Press (la Fundacion para la Libertad de Prensa,) in the last 20 years, 120 journalists have been killed in Colombia. At the Rio Summit between the European Union and Latin America being held on 28 and 29 June in Brazil, RSF called for an end to impunity for crimes against journalists.