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Dominican Republic: Police beat and threaten journalist

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists
Publication Date 4 February 2007
Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Dominican Republic: Police beat and threaten journalist, 4 February 2007, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/47d14639c.html [accessed 5 June 2023]
DisclaimerThis is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

November 24, 2007
Posted January 10, 2008

Noel Encarnación, Freelance, Despierta Ocoa
ATTACKED, THREATENED

Police attacked and threatened Encarnación, a freelance photographer and reporter for the radio news show "Despierta Ocoa" (Wake up Ocoa) on local state-owned radio Maniel FM, after he photographed victims of Hurricane Noel in the province of San José de Ocoa in central Dominican Republic, the reporter told CPJ.

After Hurricane Noel hit the Dominican Republic in early November, killing at least 84 people, Encarnación was sent to cover the refugee crisis in San José de Ocoa. The reporter said that he was photographing a group of people who had not been given shelter when police officers and military personnel approached him. At least six uniformed men beat Encarnación, destroying his camera and taking his cell phone.

Ecarnación told CPJ that he was then forced into a police car, where one of the officers allegedly said, "If you speak to the media we'll have you killed." Moments later, the reporter was released with minor injuries to his right ankle. Encarnación told CPJ that he reported the aggression to the district attorney's office. Repeated calls from CPJ to local authorities were not returned.

Copyright notice: © Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.

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