Abuses and violations against press in the middle of agrarian general strike

Three other similar events occurred in western Caldas, in northern Cauca and in western Valle del Cauca. In these regions, journalists from various media were assaulted during coverage, they were banned to take photos and to conduct interviews.

The FLiP expresses its concern regarding the events of last demonstrations and hopes that the right to freedom of press will be secured in the coming days. In this regard, UN and IACHR special rapporteurs for freedom of expression have launched in 2013 an appeal to the authorities : « The State has the duty to ensure that journalists and communicators who realize their information task during public protests are not be held, threatened, assaulted or restricted in any form whatsoever in their right to practice their profession ».

In 2013, the FLiP recorded, over a period of 75 days, 44 assaults on journalists covering demonstrations. The Foundation launched an appeal to the law enforcement, responsible for 75% of assaults, so that she provides guarantees for the correct professional practice of journalism.

Along the same lines, the FLiP reminds protesters that expulsion of journalist staff, confiscation of equipment and obstrution of journalistic coverage constitute serious acts of prior censorship, condemned by the colombian political constitution. It is important to keep in mind that social protestations are expressions of the highest public interest and it is necessary that society can be informed about it.

The FLiP acknowledges the quick response of some organizations such as the Cric and the Onic who condemned the assaults suffered by the reporters and pledged that it will not happen again. However, she considers issues that are still required press accreditations to cover such events. Although it is essential to identify the journalists, it cannot be a condition or a criterion for exclusion to impede journalistic work.

The FLiP suggests that, during the demonstrations coverage, journalists dress in a way that distinguishes them from the law enforcement, respect the safety leads installed by the authorities and make sure to remain as demonstration's observers.