The Foundation for Freedom of Prey issued an announcement wherein it refused to be harassed by Cúcuta journalists who’re its victims.
The state of public order within the nation has develop into alarming and this may be seen in occasions just like the one which occurred within the capital of Norte de Santander, the place a bunch of criminals threatened not solely the inhabitants, but in addition the individuals who join the neighborhood in that space. of the world.
On May 23, 2024, town of Cúcuta was rocked by the announcement of a “gun plan” towards native journalists, which was distributed by leaflets on WhatsApp and Facebook and mentioned to be associated to the legal group AK 47. La Flip strongly rejected these threats, calling the authorities that they take instant steps to guard the liberty of the press and the security of their contacts.
The Foundation identified that in the previous few weeks the native media have been spreading details about the legal actions of some members of that legal construction.
Gun program towards journalists in Cúcuta: The AK 47 motion declared itself a “navy goal”
The work of journalists in Cúcuta is threatened by this group of criminals who determined to declare a navy mission towards them, to forestall them from persevering with to tell the residents of the actions carried out by members of the AK 47 within the capital of Norte de Santander.
In an announcement issued by Flip, the competent authorities have been requested to conduct a correct investigation into these threats, and to take sturdy measures to guard the well being and integrity of journalists in Cúcuta.
“We ask the General Prosecutor’s Office to research this threatening leaflet towards the media, in addition to different circumstances of violence towards journalists within the metropolis,” the assertion mentioned.
“Likewise, we urge the Office of the Mayor of Cúcuta, in collaboration with the Municipal Police, to make a well timed technique to guard and defend journalists when they’re confronted with this case,” added the doc.
In that sense, Flip additionally requested the National Protection Unit (UNP) to prioritize danger research for journalists and put together safety plans to make sure the safety of their contacts who are actually immediately focused by these criminals.
Attacking journalists with statistics
According to a report launched by the Foundation for Freedom of the Press, to this point this yr, 23 assaults on journalists have been reported, which is a major enhance in comparison with the 13 recorded in 2023.
“During the rising incidents of assaults on folks in Cúcuta, this yr loss of life threats have been recorded wherein some native journalists grew to become their victims. In addition, the killing of Jaime Vásquez, which occurred on April 14, who was well-known for investigating and reporting on points affecting the neighborhood in Cúcuta and Norte de Santander,” mentioned the group.
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has emphasised that using journalism could be performed freely solely when those that do it will not be the victims of threats or bodily, psychological or ethical assaults, or different acts of abuse. However, the dearth of solutions and assurances from the authorities has created an environment of worry amongst communication specialists.
In the doc writing classes held originally of May in Cúcuta, a number of journalists expressed their worry and the results of the investigation, which not solely violates the best to freedom of the press, but in addition the best of residents to be told.
La Flip insists that freedom of the media is the idea of a wholesome democracy and that any obstacles to its functioning should be resolved shortly and successfully. Without ample safeguards and efficient assist from authorities, journalists will proceed to face dangers that restrict their reporting work and immediately have an effect on the general public. With Infobae