Colombian authorities have denounced this Saturday the murder of journalist Cristian Herrera, responsible for the news portals "Cúcuta al Rojo Vivo" and "Cúcuta Real", in an attack perpetrated in the city of Cúcuta, capital of the department of Norte de Santander. Meanwhile, investigations continue to clarify how the aggression occurred and who would be behind it.
The National Protection Unit (UNP) has expressed its "deep regret" for the death of the communicator and has condemned the crime, recalling that Herrera had been included in its protection scheme since 2014 due to threats and risks linked to his journalistic work.
The agency has detailed that, at the time of the attack, the journalist was traveling in a vehicle assigned by the entity. It also stressed that the absence of escorts during the attack was due to an "express and voluntary request from the protected person".
After being hit in the attack, Herrera was initially attended by relatives and urgently transferred to a medical center, where his death was confirmed.
The UNP has stated that it is collecting technical and operational data to support the investigations being carried out by the competent authorities, with the aim of clarifying the motives for the crime and determining the corresponding criminal responsibilities.
"The National Protection Unit is advancing in the collection of the necessary technical and operational information to assist the authorities in clarifying the motives and those responsible for this condemnable act," the institution pointed out in a statement.
On the other hand, the Colombian Government Delegation in the Peace Dialogue Table with the General Staff of the Blocks and Front has also expressed its rejection of the journalist's murder and has conveyed its condolences to the communicator's family and the entire journalistic guild.
In its public statement, the delegation highlighted Herrera's professional career, underscoring the importance of his informative work and his contribution to peace-building efforts in the country.
"We exalt his life, his permanent commitment to peace, and his search for truth through his courageous exercise as a journalist," added the agency, which also sent a "fraternal and solidarity embrace" to the victim's wife, daughter, and other relatives.
The assassination of Herrera has set off alarms among organizations and entities dedicated to the defense of press freedom in Colombia, where reporters and communicators remain exposed to threats and dangers associated with the exercise of their profession in different areas of the territory.
In this context, the UNP has finally reiterated its "unwavering commitment to the protection of journalists and the defense of press freedom" as investigations into the case proceed.