FEBRUARY 13, 2007
José David Martínez, Vanguardia Liberal
ATTACKED
Martínez, a photographer for the Bucaramanga-based daily Vanguardia Liberal, was attacked by local police in Barrancabermeja, a city west of Bucaramanga.
Martínez told CPJ that two local policemen approached him as he and other local journalists were covering the aftermath of a police operation that prevented an explosive attack against a local official. The two policemen ordered Martínez to step around the police fence, handcuffed him, grabbed his camera and threw it onto the floor. They then punched Martínez’ hands, arms, and shoulders, the photographer told CPJ. His camera was damaged.
The journalist lodged a formal complaint with local authorities on the day of the attack.