The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its regional organisation, the Federation of Latin American and Caribbean Journalists (FEPALC) have called on authorities in the Dominican Republic to investigate the brutal killing of cameraman Vicente Normando García Reyes, known as "Azabache", who was shot dead along with the driver of a taxi in which he was riding.

The tragic killing took place last Friday in the city of Santiago, about 160 kilometres from the capital Santo Domingo. Normando García covered for TV news a variety of subjects including organised crime, and according to multiple colleagues he had received threats because of his work.

"We have made note of the public prosecutor of Santiago's promise to get to the bottom of this crime and bring those responsible to justice," said IFJ Deputy General Secretary Paco Audije. "The fears of our Dominican colleagues at the National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) are certainly justified."

If Normando García was killed for his work, the IFJ says that his murder was must also be considered an attack on press freedom in the Dominican Republic.

The IFJ and FEPALC supported the call by their member union, the SNTP, that Dominican authorities ensure journalists covering organised crime are able to work in safety. That includes ensuring that those responsible for Normando García's death are caught, brought to trial and sentenced appropriately.

For more information contact the IFJ at + 32 2 235 2207

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries worldwide