Freedom of Expression

Press Release R24-10

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The right to freedom of expression is not a concession by the States but a fundamental right

Preambule of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression

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OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR FOR FREEDOM OF

EXPRESSION CONDEMNS MURDER OF JOURNALIST IN HONDURAS

 

Washington, D.C., March 5, 2010—The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemns the murder of journalist Joseph Hernández Ochoa and the serious assault suffered by journalist Karol Cabrera in an attack that took place March 1 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The Office of the Special Rapporteur urges the Honduran authorities to investigate the crime promptly and effectively, find and punish those responsible, and determine whether the attack is related to the victims' professional activities.

 

According to the information received, on the night of Monday, March 1, Hernández Ochoa, of Channel 51, and Cabrera, of Radio Cadena Voces and the State-run Channel 8, were traveling in a vehicle that was attacked by several gunmen. The information indicates that Hernández Ochoa died from gunshot wounds, while Cabrera was shot three times but is recovering in a hospital. According to local press reports, Cabrera—who on several occasions reported having received threats—had police protection at her home and was the target of the attackers.

 

The Office of the Special Rapporteur calls on the authorities of the government of Honduras to investigate the crime, capture and appropriately punish those responsible, and determine whether the attack was motivated by the journalists' professional activities. The Office of the Special Rapporteur also urges the State of Honduras to promote a culture of respect and foster an atmosphere of social tolerance conducive to inhibiting attacks against journalists, regardless of their editorial stance.

 

The Office of the Special Rapporteur recalls that Principle 9 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression of the IACHR states that "the murder, kidnapping, intimidation of and/or threats against social communicators, as well as the material destruction of communications media, violates the fundamental rights of individuals and strongly restricts freedom of expression. It is the duty of the state to prevent and investigate such occurrences, to punish their perpetrators and to ensure that victims receive due compensation."