The SRFOE condemns the murder of journalist Jorge Méndez and urges the Colombian State to investigate diligently

July 15, 2024

Washington, D.C. - The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (SRFOE) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) strongly condemns the murder of community journalist and social leader Jorge Méndez, and calls on the State to diligently investigate the facts, considering his profession as the first hypothesis of the crime.

According to public reports known to the Office, Mr. Jorge Méndez was a well-known community journalist and content creator in the region of Catatumbo, Norte de Santander department, where he was murdered on June 27.

His body, according to public information, was found in the municipality of Tibú in this department, in a border area with Venezuela, with bullet wounds and alleged signs of torture. Jorge Méndez had a Facebook page known as "La Gabarra con una imagen diferente" (La Gabarra with a different image), where he published information considered positive and favorable to the region.

In this regard, the State reported that the Special Investigation Unit of the Attorney General's Office began investigations and formed a specialized group to advance the investigation.

Likewise, this Office acknowledges the official pronouncements by the Mayor's Office and the Mayor of Tibú, Richar Claro, in "deeply regretting" and condemning the murder of Jorge Méndez.

The Rapporteurship is concerned to note that, according to the Office's monitoring, so far this year at least five journalists have been murdered in Colombia: Mardonio Mejía Mendoza, Jaime Vásquez, Julio Zapata, Hilton Eduardo Barrios and Jorge Méndez.

The SRFOE reiterates that the murder of journalists is the most extreme form of censorship, as this type of act produces a marked effect of self-censorship and fear among fellow journalists, the media and society in general. States are responsible for preventing and investigating these acts, punishing those responsible and guaranteeing adequate reparations to the victims.

Likewise, public condemnation of crimes against journalists, as well as investigation and exemplary punishment are fundamental to prevent future attacks, particularly in a context of impunity.

Considering the above, this Office of the Special Rapporteur urges the Colombian State to fully, effectively and impartially investigate this crime, clarify its motives, punish those responsible and strengthen the protection of journalists and social leaders in the region and the country.

The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression is an office created by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to encourage the hemispheric defense of the right to freedom of thought and expression, considering its fundamental role in the consolidation and development of the democratic system.

No. R165/24

4:09 PM