The Ministry of Defense of Colombia , alongside other authorities, has condemned the violent attack on journalist Gustavo Chicangana and his wife as they traveled near their residence in San José del Guaviare . This incident has been attributed to a narcoparamilitary organization , prompting widespread outrage and calls for justice.
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condemnation on his social media account, asserting that “‘ attacking the media is trying to silence the truth and undermines democracy.” He went on to label the attack a terrorist act , insisting that Colombian authorities would not allow the fear imposed by the Renacer Erpac , a criminal group believed to be behind the attack. He concluded, “We are stronger.” This commitment highlights the ongoing battle against fear and violence targeting those who inform the public.
The Ombudsman’s Office echoed the sentiment, stating that Chicangana had previously faced threats yet was under protection. Further condemnation arose from the Mayor’s Office of San José and Carlos Fernando Triana Berín , the Director of the Police. Triana requested urgent deployment of intelligence and criminal investigation units to identify the attackers and ensure justice is served.
The Renacer Erpac has emerged as the suspected organization responsible for this act. A joint statement from Middle America and Caracol Radio , outlets affiliated with Chicangana, revealed that not only had he faced direct threats, but his investigative team had also received multiple intimidation attempts. “Just five days before the attack, we received threats signed by Renacer Erpac, a criminal group linked to drug trafficking in eastern Colombia,” the statement noted. They further demanded protective measures for journalists in the area, emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard the freedom of the press in Guaviare and Colombia at large.
Chicangana suffered multiple gunshot wounds and required “specialized medical attention,” as reported by the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) . The organization raised concerns regarding the high vulnerability journalists face in the region, emphasizing the necessity for urgent action to clarify circumstances surrounding the attack and ensure protection for the victims.
The United Nations has also joined the international community in condemning the assault, asserting that it represents an attack on ” freedom of the press .” The UN Human Rights Office stated, “‘ Pursuing, receiving, and disseminating information is a human right and a pillar of democracy.'” They expressed solidarity with Chicangana and his family and called for thorough investigations to hold the perpetrators accountable. The UN also placed emphasis on the importance of protecting journalists working in areas plagued by armed conflict and violence.
In its statement, the United Nations reminded armed groups that the media constitutes a part of the civilian population and that they should be protected under international humanitarian law . The escalating threats against journalists in Colombia reflect a troubling trend that must be confronted with urgency and resolve.
This incident marks a grave reminder of the dangers faced by journalists in Colombia and the broader Latin American landscape, where narcotrafficking and organized crime continue to pose severe threats. The growing nexus between violence and journalism hampers the vital role that the media plays in promoting transparency, accountability, and democracy.
The international and national response to the attack on Gustavo Chicangana will play a crucial role in determining the safety of journalists in Colombia moving forward. It is essential that the authorities not only demand justice in this instance but also establish comprehensive mechanisms to protect media personnel regularly. A sustained commitment to safeguarding freedom of expression is necessary if Colombia is to strengthen its democratic foundations, mitigate violence, and secure a future where journalists can operate without fear.