On May 23rd via WhatsApp and Facebook circulated a pamphlet in which the AK-47 criminal gang apparently announced a gun plan against Cúcuta journalists who report on their activities.declaring them as military objectives.
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“The AK 47 organization has decided on the gun plan in the city of Cúcuta, aimed at all radio, TV, social media journalists and anyone who speaks or comments about our organization.” reads the sign.
In recent days, several journalists and media outlets in the city have shared information related with the criminal actions of members of this group.
This is the pamphlet that circulated on social networks.
Photo:Private file
Figures of the Foundation for Freedom of the Press (FLIP), point out that during 2024 there have been 23 attacks against journalists, compared to the 13 registered during 2023.
One of the cases, was the murder of journalist Jaime Vásquez, which occurred on April 14, who was known for investigating and reporting matters of public interest in Cúcuta and Norte de Santander.
Jaime Vasquez
Photo:Private file
This is what Flip said
Freedom
Photo:Connect
“On a mission of expanded documentation that we carried out at the beginning of May of this year in Cúcuta, local journalists expressed fear when carrying out their work, which has led to self-censorship as a self-protection mechanism. This situation has not only violated the right to freedom of the press, but also hinders access to information. that citizens should have on issues of interest and current situation in the city” reads the statement.
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And it ends: “We make a callor to the Attorney General’s Office, to carry out investigations into this threatening pamphlet against the press, as well as other cases of violence against journalists in the city. Likewise, we urge the Mayor’s Office of Cúcuta, in coordination with the Metropolitan Policeto develop a timely prevention and protection strategy for journalists in the face of this situation.”
Furthermore, they do a call to the National Protection Unit (UNP) to prioritize risk studies for journalists and adjust the protection schemes for journalists in the city.
The authorities They are investigating the veracity of the pamphlet to establish if it is a threat by the armed group or not.
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