Attempt to Silence Guatemalan Radio Journalist

There have recently been a number of attacks against the press. For anyone trying to make sense of the repressive and intimidatory forces at work in Guatemala the picture is a confused one. In this morning's Guardian (AP source) was a story about various attacks on journalists in Guatemala. In particular the article mentioned:

AP reported as part of background to this incident that: “The radio station has been threatened repeatedly for reporting on a tax evasion lawsuit involving Avicola Villalobos, one of Central America's largest agricultural conglomerates”. (not mentioned in Prensa Libre's article) Avicola Villalobos (poultry production) is another venture, one of the many of the Multi Inversiones holding company controlled by Dionisio Gutierrez—grandson of the founder—and Juan Luis Bosch, his cousin.

Bosch and Gutierrez have been legally challenged for tax evasion and money laundering by their uncle (Arturo Gutierrez) in a long running battle for influence (explained by Albedrio) in one of the wealthiest and most influential holding companies in Central America. In such a poisoned atmosphere, indisputable facts are few, and accusations many. Who's knows who was behind this shooting? And with impunity still widespread who knows whether Aguilar's attackers will be brought to justice?

Radio has long played a vital role in communications in Guatemala given widespread illiteracy and weak infrastructure across the country. This blog has highlighted recent intimidatory behaviour towards community radio stations, allegedly by Government and major commercial radio players.

Despite this difficult context project's do exist that support the vital role that community radio can play for local communities across Guatemala, for example Cultural Survival's Guatemala Radio Project and Instituto Guatemalteco de Educación Radiofónica (IGER).

For a better idea of the vast range of radio available in Guatemala (many of which are available online) click here for more information.

More From paddaniels

• Community Radio stations in Guatemala
• Textiles – A Doorway Into Guatemalan Culture
• Guatemalan HIV/AIDS Treatment in the Balance

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1. Guatemalan Radio's Ups And Downs
2. Community Radio stations in Guatemala
3. FILM: The Silence of Neto
4. UK Press Review: Mouth of Silence – Birds of Paradise
5. Birds of Paradise Theatre Company present Mouth of Silence