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January 31, 2025 – Colombia –
Colombian journalist Óscar Gómez Agudelo, 56, was shot dead while arriving for work at the Rumba del Café community radio station in Armenia, Quindío. Known for his investigative reporting on local corruption, organized crime, and government mismanagement, Gómez had built a reputation for fearlessly addressing sensitive issues.
According to security footage, the attack was highly targeted. As Gómez approached the station, a gunman ambushed him, firing multiple shots before escaping on a motorcycle. Despite his attempt to flee, Gómez was fatally wounded at the scene. The incident immediately drew national and international condemnation.
The Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) in Bogotá revealed that Gómez had previously faced threats due to his reporting. In 2023, a local politician reportedly pointed a gun at him as a warning, but Gómez chose not to report the threat, citing distrust in local authorities. FLIP emphasized that this murder highlights the ongoing dangers journalists face in Colombia, especially when investigating local power structures.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), UNESCO, and the Organization of American States (OAS) all condemned the killing, urging a transparent investigation and calling for stronger protections for journalists in Colombia. UNESCO’s Director-General emphasized the role of journalists in upholding democratic accountability and condemned the continuing impunity for violence against media workers.
Following a swift investigation, Colombian authorities announced in March 2025 that four suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing. Prosecutors allege that one suspect hired the others to carry out the attack, carefully tracking Gómez’s routine to plan the ambush.
Gómez’s assassination adds to Colombia’s troubling legacy of violence against journalists, especially those who investigate corruption and organized crime at the local level. Despite progress in recent years, regional journalists remain vulnerable to threats, intimidation, and lethal violence.
The remaining staff at Rumba del Café have requested state protection from Colombia’s National Protection Unit. Press freedom advocates continue to urge the government to ensure justice in Gómez’s case and to implement stronger safeguards to protect journalists nationwide.
References –
https://cpj.org/2025/01/colombian-journalist-oscar-gomez-agudelo-shot-dead-at-radio-station/
https://havanatimes.org/sos-for-journalist/colombian-journalist-shot-dead-at-radio-station/
