The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today accused the
authorities in Paraguay of a "scandalous smear" after police in Asunción
claimed an explosion outside the offices of Channel 9 television network on January 12 was
linked to an industrial dispute over the sacking of a journalists' union leader.
According to the journalists' union, the Sindicato de Periodistas del Paraguay (SPP), an explosive device was set off last week outside the offices of
Channel 9 but there were no casualties. In the aftermath, the deputy head of
the national Police, Idalino Bianconi, told reporters that the attack could be
linked to internal tensions at the station where workers have been protesting
over the sacking of union representative, Daniela Candida.
"The Police are guilty of a scandalous smear by attempting to implicate our
colleagues in this violent incident," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary.
"This is a terrible diversion from the responsibility of management over the wrongful
firing of Daniela. She is being victimized and her colleagues are right to
protest, but the suggestion they are implicated in this act of violence is
absurd."
The attack took place three days after the sacking of Daniela Candida, a TV
host at the network who has been negotiating with management over better
working conditions for workers at the station. The SPP, with the support of the
Federación de Periodistas de América Latina y el
Caribe (FEPALC), the IFJ regional group, are fighting the dismissal and secured the intervention of President Lugo who ordered a review of the decision.
The IFJ is giving its full support to SPP and FEPALC and says the reckless
declarations of the police undermine the legitimate activity of journalists'
representatives. The Federation has also urged the authorities to take
seriously threats made against media in Paraguay by a guerrilla group known as
the Paraguay People's Army which has declared journalists as military targets,
according to news agencies.
"The police should focus on catching those who threaten the journalists'
safety and stop interfering in union affairs," added White.
For more information, please contact IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 07
The IFJ represents more than
600.000 members in 125 countries