ELN holds journalists hostage in Catatumbo

On Monday, May 23 around noon journalist Diego D’Pablos and his videographer, Carlos Melo, headed toward the Filogringo area in El Tarra from Tibú. Diego Veloza, Caracol TV correspondent, also traveled to that area with his videographer, William Mora, and a third journalists whose information is not yet known. The two teams were investigating the whereabouts of journalist Salud Hernandez Mora.

Upon arriving to Filogringo, a group of unknown people approached the group of journalists. According to FLIP’s sources, the unidentified persons took the equipment from the reporters, such as cameras and cell phones, and broke some of the equipment. FLIP received word that the group of journalists was comprised of 5 people, one of whom was a community reporter.

Around midnight, the El Tarra police confirmed that the RCN journalists and a third journalist were under the custody of the unidentified persons, their whereabouts unknown. The police inspection also confirmed that the Caracol correspondent was on the outskirts of the town. His equipment was not returned; however, FLIP has not been able to establish direct communication with him.

FLIP talked with directors at Caracol TV who confirmed they had received the police reporto on Diego Veloza, but were not able to establish direct contact with him either. Executives at RCN have not been able to get ahold of their reporters and confirm that the authorities notified them about the detainment and damage to equipment.

It is vital that the authorities put their best efforts behind clearing up these acts against freedom of the press in Cataumbo, ensuring that in each of the situations that have taken place, the life and well-being of the journalists is a foremost priority.  

FLIP insists that the journalists be released and returned home immediately, where they can continue practicing journalism. We highlight the directives of the International Human Right which states that any aggression toward journalists is a serious violation.

We ask that media outlets in the region critically evaluate the situation in the Catatumbo region and to withhold sending journalists there without the necessary security measures.

Finally, we ask all international humanitarian organization to explore mediation options that could facilitate the liberation and return of these journalists.

Update

As of 8 a.m., FLIP found out that journalist Diego Veloza established contact with Caracol TV. He is safe.