“Colombian journalists face recurring threats from paramilitary groups and criminal gangs. In the last two months, journalists from at least five different media outlets across the country have received a series of threats –including death threats–, leading some journalists to self-censor.
President Gustavo Petro has received the most urgent cases directly and has publicly requested that these journalists be placed under state protection, a positive response to the commitment made to Reporters without Borders (RSF) and the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) in August 2024. However, as threats continue, many journalists still fear for their lives.
'[...] While the president's public response is a positive development, it is clear that violence and intimidation against professionals is spreading faster than government protections. Urgent and forceful measures are now needed to ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of threats, harassment or violence,' said Artur Romeu, director of RSF's Latin America bureau.”
