DATE=8/13/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=COLOMBIA - SATIRIST MURDER
NUMBER=2-252784
BYLINE=RHODA METCALFE
DATELINE=BOGOTA
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: In Colombia, the best-known political humorist
in the country was gunned down Friday(today). In a
country where people are hardened to massacres and
mass kidnappings, the assassination of the 39-year old
satirist has shaken even the most skeptical Colombian.
It has also sent out a message that criticism is a
very dangerous business. Rhoda Metcalfe reports from
the capital.
TEXT:
// SOUND GARZON ACT IN COMEDY SKIT //
Jaime Garzon was one the few people who could make
Colombians laugh about the tragedies in their country.
During a long-running T-V program and later, a radio
show, Garzon did tongue-in-cheek (humorous and ironic)
imitations of everyone from presidents to guerrilla
leaders to shoe-shine boys.
His satire was cutting. But the 39-year old comedian
was so likeable, he got away with the biting political
criticism more serious commentators didn't dare make.
But early Friday morning, Garzon's career came to a
brutal end. He was on his way by car to a local radio
station. He was stopped waiting for a traffic light
to change, when two men on a motorcycle drove up, shot
him several times and drove away.
The murder has shocked the country.
// RADIO STATION ACT //
Garzon's co-workers at the news station RadioNet paid
homage to him the entire morning, often breaking into
tears as they discussed his life and work. President
Andres Pastrana cancelled a trip and immediately
offered a reward for information on the murder.
Recently, Garzon had dedicated much of his time to the
peace process between the government and guerrillas --
participating in talks with guerrillas and helping
negotiate the release of kidnapped hostages.
He was as scathing towards the guerrillas as he was
towards the government and the military. But
authorities believe the assassination was likely the
work of rightwing paramilitaries -- who perceived
Garzon's commentaries as left-wing. Paramilitaries
leader have denied the charge.
In a radio interview, former Colombian president Cesar
Gaviria, now head of the Organization of American
States, mourned Garzon's murder.
//GAVIRIA ACT //
He said Jaime Garzon showed that Colombia -- despite
all its violence and problems -- is a country open to
opposing views. This is precisely why Garzon's death
is so frightening to so many people - it represents a
deadly new intolerance to criticism in Colombia.
(signed)
NEB/RM/JO
13-Aug-1999 17:32 PM EDT (13-Aug-1999 2132 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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