The Association of Journalists and Social Communicators of Alta Verapaz (APC-AV) published a statement this Monday, April 27, in which it expressed “its strong condemnation of the murder of journalist Carlos Humberto Cal Ical.”
He also indicated that the victim was an active member of the APC-AV.
According to the information shared by the association, the journalist was the victim of a direct attack with firearm projectiles.
He added that the attack took place in San Cristóbal Verapaz, where it was reported that the journalist suffered a gunshot wound on Sunday, April 26.
“This crime adds to a bleak panorama for journalistic practice in Guatemala. Alta Verapaz has established itself as a main focus of attacks, where journalists face intimidation,” warned the APC-AV.
He warned: “The region is particularly dangerous for those who cover social and environmental conflicts, which increases the vulnerability of communicators.”
The APC-AV demands that the Public Ministry and the Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes against Journalists carry out an exhaustive, rapid and transparent investigation to identify both the material and intellectual authors of this murder, and ensure that it does not remain unpunished.
The Government is required to urgently implement effective security measures and resume the commitments of the Journalist Protection Program, “given that the State has the unavoidable duty to prevent violence against the press.”
Furthermore, the Judicial Branch is asked to guarantee an autonomous justice system that duly sanctions these attacks, thereby sending a firm message that violations of the right to freedom of expression will not be tolerated.
“The murder of Carlos Humberto Cal Ical is not an isolated event, but is framed in a context of systematic persecution against independent journalism in Guatemala, marked by an alarming increase in violence and criminalization,” he stated.
He warned that attacks against the press undermine democracy and citizens’ fundamental right to be informed.
To read more: Guatemalan journalism is experiencing “judicial terrorism,” according to the IAPA
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