IAPA requests investigation into disappearance in Paraguay, denounces attacks in Puerto Rico, and demands release of journalist in Cuba

Miami (February 16, 2006).- The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) expressed its concern over the disappearance 12 days ago of a Paraguayan journalist and fears for his life.  Also, the hemispheric organization joins in the request for the release for health reasons of an independent journalist imprisoned in Cuba, and criticized the excessive use of force against journalists in Puerto Rico.

The whereabouts of Enrique Galeano, reporter for Radio Azotey, in the city of Horqueta in the interior of the country, has been unknown since February 4.  According to information provided by his family, Galeano, 51-years old, was in police custody since he was allegedly threatened because of his critical reports on drug trafficking on the border with Brazil.

“We request an urgent investigation into his disappearance”, stressed Gonzalo Marroquín, chairman of the Committee on Freedom of the Press and Information. “There should be the will and special effort of authorities to avoid that this case go unpunished, otherwise we fear that others will resort to this type of activity to silence the press.”

Meanwhile, the IAPA joins the large group of international press organizations in requesting that the Cuban government immediately release journalist José Ubaldo Izquierdo, imprisoned since March 18th of 2003.  Izquierdo, from the Grupo de Trabajo Decoro news agency has severe stomach ulcers that require better medical attention than that received in prison where he is serving a 16-year sentence.

Marroquín, editor of the Guatemalan newspaper, Prensa Libre, said that “considering Izquierdo’s deteriorating health, we hope for his immediate release.  Continuing with this unjust sentence in these conditions would be a double violation against his human rights.”

Marroquín also questioned attacks against 10 journalists on February 10 in Puerto Rico during a sting of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).  Reporters and photographers were at several properties that were being searched for evidence in alleged terrorist attacks on the island.  FBI agents punched and shot pepper spray at the journalists and other protesters objecting to the intervention.

“We condemn aggressive attacks by federal agents against journalists that are following through with their duty to keep the public informed.  We hope that this is an isolated incident that will not become a standard of conduct against the local press, and that officials know how to delineate their responsibilities,” concluded Marroquín.

For more information, please contact (305) 634-2465 or write to: [email protected]. 

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