September 26, 2024 - Colombia, Bogotá

Women Press Freedom commends the court's decision to sentence a former intelligence director of Colombia's now-defunct Administrative Security Department (DAS) to 12 years in prison for his involvement in the persecution, harassment, and illegal actions against journalist Claudia Julieta Duque.

The ruling was issued by a Bogotá judge following a conviction by the Colombian prosecutor's office. This case marks the eighth conviction of former DAS officials for their role in the persecution of Claudia Duque and her family. The court emphasized the victimization of Duque, who faced intimidation and surveillance by the DAS, leading her to seek exile.