Freedom of Expression

Press Release 189/08

PRESS RELEASE

PREN 189/08

OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION DEPLORES MURDER OF JOURNALIST IN BOLIVIA AND DEMANDS INVESTIGATION

Washington, D.C, April 9, 2008 - The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) of the Organization of American States deplores the murder of Carlos Quispe Quispe, reporter of Radio Municipal in Pucarani, in Bolivia. The Office of the Special Rapporteur urges the authorities of Bolivia to investigate this crime promptly and effectively to duly punish those responsible, and to guarantee the safety of those working in journalism.

Quispe was beaten and left unconscious by a group of persons believed to be political opponents of Pucarani’s mayor, Alejandro Mamami, on March 27, 2008. Quispe died two days after the attack in a La Paz hospital, according to the information released by Bolivian media and by reporters associations. The group had first attacked the mayor’s office and then attacked the Radio Municipal where Quispe was working.

The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression recalls that, under the American Convention on Human Rights, the States have the duty to prevent, investigate, and sanction any violation of the rights recognized therein. Principle 9 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression of the IACHR states that "the murder, kidnapping, intimidation of and/or threats to social communicators, as well as the material destruction of communications media violate the fundamental rights of individuals and strongly restrict freedom of expression."

For additional information about the Office of the Special Rapporteur: http://www.cidh.org/relatoria/index.asp?lID=1

1889 F St. N.W. Washington, DC, U.S.A. 20006 / E-mail: [email protected] / Phone: (202) 370-9000 / Fax: (202) 458-3650