Miami Feb. 9, 2024) - During this week, the Colombian press was the target of multiple threats and attacks. Journalist Fabián Forero and cameraman Francisco Ruiz of Red+ Noticias received blows, shoves, stones and even death threats while they were reporting on a protest for the International Wetlands Day in Bogotá.
For his part, journalist Alberto Henao requested through a video to reinforce his protection scheme due to the threats he is receiving from the Clan del Golfo. In addition, the leader of a criminal gang, identified as Ever 'el Porras', threatened to kill journalists Jonathan Mojica and Kevin Orozco, of Notifrontera (Cúcuta), due to their journalistic publications.
In Haiti, protests continue against Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Violence in the country has escalated and journalists were injured in Jérémie.
Nayib Bukele was reelected president of El Salvador this week and during his speech he attacked journalists and organizations that questioned the emergency regime. It is worth noting that, according to the Association of Journalists of El Salvador (APES), 173 aggressions to the press were registered during election day.
The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) filed an amicus curiae brief in support of eight Guatemalan journalists from elPériodico who are facing charges of obstruction of justice. The case is under appeal and will be reviewed in the next few days by a court in Guatemala.
In Venezuela, the NGO Espacio Público recorded 16 cases and 24 violations of freedom of expression during the month of January, these being mainly "acts of censorship, intimidation and attacks on journalists, media outlets, activists and civil society organizations by State actors and officials".
IAPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of the press and expression in the Americas. It comprises more than 1,300 publications from the western hemisphere and is based in Miami, Florida, United States.
