Press Freedom
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Reporter Without Borders
Guatemala September 8, 2006
H.E. Oscar Jose Rafael Berger
President
Office of the President
Palacio Nacional, Nivel 2
6 Calle entre 6 y 7 Avenidas, Zona 1
Guatemala City 01001
Republic of Guatemala
Your Excellency:
The Overseas Press Club of America (OPC) would like to add its voice to those of others who are shocked by the assassination attempt on Vinicio Aguilar Mancilla and who call for a vigorous investigation of this crime.
Although it is possible that Aguilar was the victim of an ordinary crime — that seems unlikely. He is a prominent figure and a radio host for a station that has figured in controversy. According to reports we have received, Aguilar links the attack to his work. Reportedly, just before shooting him, one of his assailants said, “This is to shut you up.”
All around the world, journalists have become increasingly the victims of threats, attacks, and assassinations by ruthless people who want to silence them. In many places, the press has indeed become intimidated and can not do its job. A democracy can not survive unless the news is delivered to the people honestly and fairly.
The OPC, which has been defending freedom of the press around the world for almost seven decades, believe the attack on Aguilar must be taken with the utmost seriousness. We urge you to do all in your power to see that Aguilar’s would-be murderers are brought to justice, Your Excellency.
We await news of your progress.
Respectfully yours,
Jeremy Main
Kevin McDermott
Freedom of the Press Committee
cc:
Marco Antonio Cortez
Special Prosecutor for Crimes Against Journalists and Trade Unionists
7a. Avenida 11-20, Zona 1
Ciudad de Guatemala
Guatemala
Fax: (011.502.2) 20-68-73
Guillermo Castillo
Ambassador of Guatemala to the U.S.A.
Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala
2220 R Street, NW
Washington , DC 20008
Fax: (202) 745-1908
Ambassador Jorge Skinner-Klée Arenales
Permanent Representative
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Guatemala
to the United Nations
57 Park Avenue
New York , NY 10016
Fax: (212) 685-8741
James M. Derham
U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala
Embassy of the United States of America
Avenida Reforma 7-01, Zona 10
Guatemala City
Guatemala
CERIGUA
2a Calle 1-42, Zona 1
Ciudad de Guatemala
Guatemala
Fax: (011.502.2) 21-25-21
Hon. Hugo Leonel Maúl Figueroa
Presidente
Corte Suprema de Justicia
61 Calle 7-70, Zona 1
Ciudad de Guatemala
Republic of Guatemala
Fax: (011.502.2) 30-03-90
Hon. Edgardo Daniel Barreda Valenzuela
Corte Suprema de Justicia
61 Calle 7-70, Zona 1
Ciudad de Guatemala
Republic of Guatemala
Fax: (011.502.2) 30-66-26