New York, August 7, 2001—The Committee to Protect Journalists yesterday sent a letter of inquiry to Adolfo González Rodas, attorney general of Guatemala, expressing concern about the August 1 attack by police officers against four Guatemalan journalists who were covering demonstrations protesting a recent tax raise.
According to local sources, when police moved to arrest demonstrators who had engaged in a street battle with officers, journalists attempted to interview or take pictures of the protesters who were being detained. The police then tried to push the journalists away and beat at least four of them. Police also shouted that they did not want to see any journalists around.
CPJ also urged the attorney general to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation into the matter and requested more information about the inquiry as it becomes available.
