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September 4, 2024September 03, 2024 – Colombia –
In a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face in Colombia, two armed attacks occurred within a single week in late August 2024, prompting urgent warnings from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The incidents reflect a troubling resurgence of violence targeting the press, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas.
The most serious case involved journalist Frank Caro, a correspondent based in the department of Cauca. On August 31, Caro was shot multiple times while driving near the outskirts of Popayán. The attackers opened fire on his vehicle, leaving him critically wounded. He was immediately hospitalized and remains in serious condition. The motive behind the attack has not been confirmed, but local journalists believe it may be connected to his reporting on crime and security issues in the region.
Earlier that same week, another journalist was subjected to a separate armed attack. Though the name and details of the first victim have not been publicly disclosed, the IFJ confirmed that both incidents involved firearms and were likely attempts to silence or intimidate the journalists involved. The close timing of the two assaults has heightened fears among press freedom advocates and local reporters alike.
Cauca, located in southwestern Colombia, has long been a hotspot for armed violence, with various criminal and insurgent groups vying for control. Journalists working in this environment often face threats, intimidation, and physical harm, particularly when covering sensitive topics such as drug trafficking, corruption, and human rights abuses.
The IFJ and its Colombian affiliate, the Federación Colombiana de Periodistas (FECOLPER), condemned the attacks and called on authorities to launch swift, transparent investigations and provide protective measures to journalists at risk. They also emphasized the importance of addressing impunity, which continues to embolden those who target the media.
These back-to-back attacks serve as a grim reminder of the persistent threats facing journalists in Colombia. Without decisive government action to protect media workers and bring perpetrators to justice, the country’s fragile press freedom will remain under constant threat, especially in regions where journalism is needed most.
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