Speeches and Statements

Statement by the U.S. Embassy Regarding the Attack Against José Rubén Zamora

Guatemala, June 24, 2003

The United States Embassy is outraged at the violent and barbaric attack mounted today against Ingeniero Jose Ruben Zamora and his family.

This crime is a blow not only to Ingeniero Zamora, but to all journalists in Guatemala and to the good name of Guatemala itself.

It is an imperative and fundamental part of democracy that all journalists practice their profession free from threats, intimidation, and violence.

Those who would crush freedom of speech will find that there are many brave voices, in addition to Ingeniero Zamora's, who will continue to report in the newspapers, on radio and on television. Their persistence is the ultimate proof of the senselessness and futility of such cowardly aggression.

We call upon the Government of Guatemala and the Public Ministry to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.---