Impunity - Costa Rica

WHEREAS journalist Parmenio Medina, a radio producer and editor of the “La Patada” program aired by Radio Monumental in San José, who stood apart for his humorous criticism and investigation of corruption in Costa Rica, was murdered on July 7, 2001 in the town of Santo Domingo de Heredia WHEREAS Medina had been the target of threats, which he had reported to the authorities, and persons unknown fired shots into his house on May 9 in what the journalist said was a scare tactic WHEREAS the police investigation has turned up nothing so far to indicate that the case will be solved promptly WHEREAS Principle 4 of the Declaration of Chapultepec provides that “Freedom of expression and of the press are severely limited by murder, terrorism, kidnapping, pressure, intimidation, the unjust imprisonment of journalists, the destruction of facilities, violence of any kind and impunity for perpetrators. Such acts must be investigated promptly and punished harshly” THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE IAPA RESOLVES to urge the police and judicial authorities to continue investigating until the crime has been solved to monitor efforts to solve the murder of journalist Parmenio Medina, which in addition to being a heinous crime is the most serious form of pressure on the press.