De la Espriella claims ELN plans to attack Colombia’s corporate media

Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella has ordered state forces to safeguard the nation's corporate media outlets, citing "possible terrorist attacks" by the ELN guerrilla group. The president directed specific measures to shield private television networks RCN and Caracol, along with their journalists, employees, and families, on social media platform X. Furthermore, Espriella directed an increase in protection for Semana, a far-right magazine backed by the campaign sponsor Gilinksi family.

Freedom of the press is considered a fundamental right, which must be upheld and respected, according to President Espriella. The Bogota Mayor's Office stated that these protective orders were issued shortly after the prosecution's Technical Investigations Unit issued a security alert to the media outlets and the local government.

Caracol, one of the targeted media outlets, evacuated its main office in the capital city and permitted police to search the premises for possible bombs, though no explosives were discovered. In response to these measures, the Press Freedom Foundation FLIP expressed its deep concerns and reiterated their strong objection to the security alerts against media in Bogota.

FLIP emphasized that the mere absence of explosives does not negate the ongoing risk, and these alerts necessitate continuous monitoring and effective protection. The alert to protect media outlets came at a time of heightened violence between guerrilla groups and state forces, with the president previously authorizing an offensive against insurgencies and organized crime groups.