Colombian journalist and political leader Argemiro Cárdenas Agudelo was shot to death on Thursday, March 15, reported the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP in Spanish).
Cárdenas, age 56, was director of the radio station Metro Radio Estereo, and also “collaborated with other news media,” according to the news agency EFE. His radio shows didn't go into controversial topics, but defended the interests of the community against local politicians. The journalist was also planning on retiring, said the organization Reporters Without Borders.
Police investigating the case said that the journalist did not report any death threats prior to his killing, according to the news site Colombia Reports. David González, from FLIP, said that, as of this moment, it is not known if the crime is linked to Cárdenas' profession or not, added Colombia Reports.
"Colombian authorities must fully investigate this crime, determine the motives, and bring those responsible to justice," said the Committee to Protect Journalists. Government authorities declared a three-day vigil in Dosquebradas, where the crime took place and also where Cárdenas was former mayor, reported the news site Colombia Reports.
