A Canal Capital journalist assaulted by a police officer

Police officer Giovanny Sierra chose this moment to move closer to the journalist, intimidate him so he stop filming and made clear that he could film only with his permission. After introducing himself, Alejandro Buitrago started to record the verbal abuse which he fall victim from the policeman who reacted in a violent way, confiscating his phone and attacking his equipment. He finally physically assaulted him in collusion with others policemen. According to the journalist, his phone was never returned to him.

The Direction of Transport and Transit of the National Police, through a press, announced the suspension of the police officer involved and the opening of a disciplinary investigation against Giovanny Sierra and others policemen involved in the assault. The institution also condemned the impermissible conduct that infringes press freedom.

FLIP condemns this assault and calls the authorities to respect the journalistic activity. Furthermore, she asks the police for a quick application of the discplinary sanctions and compensation for the journalist. The lack of results for these investigations would be a bad signal in the fight against press assaults.