Americas
2006
Two measures approved in Mexico City to protect journalists
New York, April 28, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the approval of two measures by the Mexico City Legislative Assembly—one decriminalizing defamation, libel and slander, and the other enabling journalists to withhold the identity of confidential sources. “We’re gratified that the Mexico City assembly has adopted these measures, which represent important milestones in the…
Protestors attack radio station over one-sided coverage
New York, April 24, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns an attack by 700 protesters on a radio station in southern Peru. The crowd stormed the offices of Radio Sudamericana in the city of Juliaca on Friday, angered by what they called the station’s one-sided coverage of a scandal surrounding a local mayor. A small…
In Mexico, two bills would protect journalists
New York, April 20, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists lauds the Mexican Chamber of Deputies’ passage on Tuesday of a bill that would eliminate criminal defamation, libel, and slander laws from federal statute books. CPJ also welcomes the chamber’s approval of a second measure that allows journalists to withhold from authorities information about sources.
TV reporter killed covering mudslides
New York, April 17, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists mourns the death of television reporter Jairo Muñoz who was covering mudslides that killed nearly 30 people last week on Colombia’s southwest Pacific coast. Muñoz and cameraman Rodrigo Trejos were among many journalists reporting on rescue efforts on April 13 in the hard-hit town of Santa…
Columnist released from prison
Updated: APRIL 12, 2006 Original Alert: February 6, 2006 Angel Mario Ksheratto, Cuarto Poder IMPRISONED Ksheratto was released on February 22 after posting a 100,000 pesos bail (US$9,000). The columnist spent 18 days at El Amate Prison, a maximum security facility in the city of Cintalapa.
Death threats force Peruvian journalist to flee the country
New York, April 13, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by death threats made against Peruvian journalist Marilú Gambini Lostanau and her family after she reported on the influence of drug traffickers in Peruvian politics. The threats forced the journalist and two of her children to leave the country last week. An unidentified woman…
Journalist released on parole
Updated: April 12, 2006 Original Alert: March 6, 2006 Gustavo Azócar, Televisora del Táchira IMPRISONED After being held at a maximum security prison in San Cristóbal for two weeks, Azócar was released on parole on March 22. Azócar may continue to host his television program “Café con Azócar” on Televisora del Táchira and write for…
Suspect in journalist murder granted medical release
Updated: April 11, 2006 Original case: July 14, 2005 Jacques Roche, Le Matin KILLED—UNCONFIRMED Rev. Gérard Jean-Juste was granted a temporary release from prison on January 30 to receive medical treatment for leukemia. He was accused of involvement in the 2005 murder of Jacques Roche, a well-known Haitian journalist.