New York, February 15, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists voiced concern today about the fate of Paraguayan radio journalist Enrique Galeano, who has been missing since February 4. CPJ is investigating whether his disappearance is related to his journalistic work.
Galeano, who hosts a morning news and music show on Radio Azotey, disappeared in Yby Yau, a small town in northern Concepción province, Julio Benegas, secretary general of the Paraguayan Journalists Union, told CPJ.
Galeano had been working for Radio Azotey since January. The radio station is owned by a member of the ruling Colorado Party, Benegas said.
Police in the provincial capital Horqueta said they received anonymous death threats against Galeano in January. They provided him with a police escort for four days after the threats, the local press reported. It was not clear whether Galeano himself had received threats.
The Paraguayan Journalists Union has informed the Ministry of Interior of Galeano’s disappearance and asked police to investigate it.
“We are worried about Enrique Galeano’s fate,” said CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper. “We urge Paraguayan authorities to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation, locate Galeano and bring him to safety.”