Local press freedom group launches emergency network

New York, June 5, 2001 — At a recent seminar in Guatemala City, the local press freedom organization Centro para la Defensa de la Libertad de Expresión (CEDEX) encouraged journalists from all over Guatemala to report attacks on the press in their areas.

Journalists in Guatemala often face violent threats in response to their work, particularly when they investigate state corruption and the activities of the country’s feared security apparatus.

CEDEX was founded last spring, but has concentrated on publicizing press freedom violations in the capital. The group hoped to broaden the scope of its activities by holding the June 1 seminar. The meeting was attended by some 25 journalists from all over the country.

All the participants were invited to report press freedom abuses to CEDEX, which will document the attacks, publicize them, and support complaints to relevant government institutions.

For more information about CEDEX, contact the organization via e-mail at [email protected] or via telephone at +502-704-7003.

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