The Central American Journalists Network (RCP, for its initials in Spanish) issued an alert over threats, acts of intimidation and attacks against journalists Carlos Girón and Marcelo Osorto of Honduran news outlet ICN Investiga. The organization said the incidents reflect a pattern of violence against investigative journalism in the country.
According to the RCP, Girón was the target of several incidents between March and April, including gunfire near his home that struck his vehicle, a crash caused by a motorcycle and an episode in which he was followed and intercepted by unknown individuals, one of whom pointed a gun at his head.
Also in March, Osorto was the victim of legal threats and harassment following the publication of an investigative report on the alleged diversion of more than 64 million lempiras (about U.S. $2.4 million) by a mayor.
Both journalists sought assistance from Honduras’ National Commissioner for Human Rights and were referred to the Protection Mechanism of the Secretariat of Human Rights with a request for precautionary measures, the organization said.
