Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has urged Colombian authorities to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the recent murder of Steven Andrés Fajardo, a prominent journalist and director of Triunfadora Stereo, a local radio station in Puerto Triunfo. Fajardo was fatally shot on November 21, 2024, by unidentified assailants while traversing a town center. The incident has sparked significant concern among local and international communities, with RSF highlighting the potential link between Fajardo’s work and his untimely death. You can read more about RSF’s statement here.
The brutal attack has added to a growing list of violence against journalists in Colombia. It is reported that Fajardo had previously survived an attempt on his life six years ago, underscoring the persistent dangers faced by media professionals in the region. Despite an initiative by Colombian President Gustavo Petro earlier this year to address violence against journalists, instances of repression, including death threats and judicial harassment against media workers, continue to escalate. More details about these challenges can be found here.
Artur Romeu, the director of RSF’s Latin America Bureau, emphasized the necessity of a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for Fajardo’s murder. He has called upon President Petro to take a direct interest in the case, urging justice for Fajardo’s family and colleagues. This incident marks the third journalist murder in Colombia in 2024, sparking concerns about the safety of press professionals in the country. For further insights into the ongoing threats faced by Colombian journalists, RSF’s documentation of recent cases is available here.