Jaime Girón Duarte, Ambassador to Canada
Embassy of Colombia
360 Albert Street, Suite 1002
Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 7X7

October 1, 2007

Excellency,

I am writing on behalf of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression around the world.

CJFE wishes to express its grave concern over the persistent threats received by Colombian journalist Hollman Morris, producer of the weekly news show "Contravia" on public channel Canal Uno.

CJFE awarded the 2006 International Press Freedom Award, which recognizes journalists who overcome great odds to cover the news, to Morris. The award recognized him for his investigative reporting on human right abuses in Colombia and for his fierce commitment to uncovering the truth in the face of intimidation and multiple threats.

On September 27, 2007, Hollman Morris received a death threat by email from anonymous writers. Their message to him was "Por guerrilero, Por antipatriota Por Sapo, Ya Casi", and underneath was a picture of him marked with a cross. The threat might be linked to other threats received by journalists during the run-up to regional elections in Colombia on October 28.

Morris, during the course of his career as a journalist has been the victim of harassment and threats on numerous occasions. He has been the target of macabre funeral wreaths, letters of condolence and telephone intimidations.

CJFE calls on Colombian authorities for an immediate investigation in order to identify who is behind this threat. Furthermore, we urge the government to implement measures that ensure that Hollman Morris and all Colombian journalists are able to continue their work without fear for their safety.

We thank you for your attention and look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,

Arnold Amber, CJFE President

cc: M. Levin, Ambassador of Canada to Colombia