Because of his courageous investigative journalism, Mr. G mez has come under increasing threat over the years. But what is most troubling about the latest series of events are the comments attributed to a commander in the Colombian Army. He has been quoted by journalists and others, under the guise of speaking on background, as alleging that Mr. G mez and the El Espectador staff were collaborating with Colombia s Marxist guerrillas. As you know, such comments are not only slanderous, they are inflammatory and unacceptable incitements to violence. Journalists are not combatants, the World Association of Newspapers said in a recent resolution, noting that violence against Colombia s journalists is increasing at an alarming rate.
Journalists are, at best, watchdogs in the corridors of power, operating in the public interest.
If they do their job well, they often make enemies. That Mr. G mez has managed to anger, at one time or another, most of Colombia s power elite is testimony to his fair and penetrating reporting. At a time of increasing cooperation between the United States and Colombia, including increased financial aid and human rights scrutiny, it is especially troubling to witness the events of the recent past. I imagine it is a matter of great embarrassment to you that Colombia is one of the most dangerous countries in the world in which to be a journalist. I hope it is also a call to action to protect the defenders of Colombia s democracy.