Chile

New York, May 11, 2005—The Committee to Protect Journalists said today it was alarmed by reports that Chilean radio reporter Paola Briceño Verdina was beaten and improperly detained by national police agents after covering a student protest in Santiago last week. CPJ called on Chilean officials to investigate the attack and take action against those responsible.

Local press reports said a large number of university students gathered in Santiago on May 4 to protest a bill that would give private banks a role in the financing of higher education. The demonstration was peaceful at first, but students later clashed with police. Officers responded by firing tear gas and water canons to disperse the crowd.

MAY 4, 2005
Posted: May 17, 2005

Paola Briceño Verdina, Radio Bío-Bío
HARASSED, ATTACKED

Radio reporter Briceño Verdina was beaten and detained by national police agents after covering a student protest in Santiago. Local press reports said a large number of university students gathered in Santiago to protest a bill that would give private banks a role in the financing of higher education. The demonstration was peaceful at first, but students later clashed with police. Officers responded by firing tear gas and water canons to disperse the crowd.

Overview
by Carlos Lauría

Journalists throughout the Americas came under increased attack in 2004 for reporting on political corruption, drug trafficking, and organized crime. Although democratic rights have been expanding in the region, press freedom has not always improved as a result.

Chile

A protracted sex scandal that roiled Chile during 2004 highlighted the country's restrictive legal framework for journalists, as well as public officials' lack of tolerance for criticism in the media. In September 2003, businessman Claudio Spiniak was arrested and accused of leading a prostitution and pornography ring. Politicians, prominent businessmen, and a Roman Catholic bishop have also been accused of involvement.

Your Excellency:

The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned that a bill to repeal the crime of desacato (disrespect) has been languishing in Congress for more than a year. We urge you to use the power of your office to expedite the elimination of these anachronistic provisions.

In September 2002, Your Excellency introduced Bill 212-347 to Congress, which proposed eliminating laws that impose criminal penalties for strongly worded criticism of government officials, members of Congress, senior judges, and members of the armed forces. These statutes included: Article 263 of the Penal Code; amendments to Articles 264 and 265 of the Penal Code; and amendments to Articles 276, 284, 416, and 417 of the Code of Military Justice.