The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the killing of Colombian journalist Javier Darío Arroyave, who was found stabbed to death in his apartment in the city of Cartago on Wednesday morning.
His killing comes amidst a wave of attacks on journalists throughout the country.
On Tuesday in the city of Santa Marta, Idinael Fernández, a Radio Galeón journalist, was threatened by the President of Santa Marta Association of Attorneys, who was upset about the coverage he had received in his trial for sexually abusing his two daughters.
In another recent attack in the oil port of Barrancabermeja, two journalists working for the recently founded radio station Antena del Río threatened in connection with a special human rights broadcast.
On Wednesday, neighbours found the body of Javier Darío Arroyave, director of the opinion radio programme “¿Cómo les parece?” (What do you think?) on Ondas del Valle of Caracol and freelance correspondent for the daily El Tiempo, in his apartment. There were no signs of forced entry. Of his belongings, the only object stolen was a laptop.
Although authorities say they believe the crime was committed for personal motives, colleagues in Cartago say it is possible Arroyave was murdered because of his journalistic work.
Arroyave, 40, reported on controversial topics during his radio programme, such as corruption, embezzlement of State financial resources and regional politics. Arroyave was also part of a team of journalists who denounced corruption in the administration of the former mayor of Cartago, Luis Alberto Castro, who was sanctioned and given a suspension.
For more information contact the IFJ at 32 2 235 2207
The IFJ represents more tan 600,000 journalists in 115 countries
