International Freedom of Expression Exchange: The global network for free expression
9 April 2008
Alert
Television cameraman and photographer killed while covering gang conflict
Incident details
Eliécer Santamaría journalist(s) killedIFJ Condemns Killing of Cameraman Covering Gang Conflict in Panama
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the killing of a Panamanian television cameraman and photographer who was stabbed while covering a gang fight in Panama City.
Eliécer Santamaría died in the early morning hours on Tuesday after he was stabbed while on assignment covering a story about gangs exchanging gunfire in the capital, according to reports.
"This killing highlights the dangers that journalists face when they cover news in their own countries," said IFJ Deputy General Secretary Paco Audije. "While war reporting takes many lives, our colleagues are often much more vulnerable when reporting on criminal activity in their own communities."
The IFJ is calling on Panamanian authorities to launch a full investigation and bring Santamaría's killers to justice.
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries worldwide.
Source:
International Federation of Journalists
International Press Centre, Residence Palace
Bloc C, second floor, Rue de la Loi, 155
1040 Brussels
Belgium
Phone: +32 2 2352207
Fax: +32 2 2352219
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