WASHINGTON, May 20, 2024
/PRNewswire/ --
UPDATE:
Since our statement below, we have learned from several sources
in Guatemala that Mr. Zamora
has not been released from jail to home detention. While Mr. Zamora
has been granted home detention for one of the charges against him,
he will not be allowed to actually depart detention until
reciprocal decisions are reached on the other charges against him.
This could happen as soon as next month. But for now, he remains in
jail subject to disposition of remaining charges. Below is our
prior statement.
WASHINGTON, May 17 -- Following is a statement from
Emily Wilkins, president of the National Press Club on the
decision by Guatemala to release
journalist Jose Ruben Zamora to home
detention without monitoring.
"We are pleased to hear that Guatemalan journalist Jose
Ruben Zamora has been released to home detention after more
than 600 days in pretrial detention. One of the two charges against
him has been dismissed and we have every reason to believe the
other charge will be dismissed as well, when the court rules in
June.
Let's be clear about this: Mr. Zamora is a journalist who
has done nothing wrong. The charges were intended to impede his
journalism. The government of Guatemala was prepared to let Mr. Zamora leave
the country, but when he declined, he was jailed on flimsy charges.
This is no way for a government to behave toward its journalists.
We expect more from the government of Guatemala. Mr. Zamora deserves to live a
productive life free of intrusions and punishment."
Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading
professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members
representing nearly every major news organization, the club is a
leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.
Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for the National
Press Club
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SOURCE National Press Club