On the sixth anniversary of the killing of Brazilian journalist Lourenço “Léo” Veras, the Institute for Environmental Law and Economics (Instituto de Derecho y Economía Ambiental – IDEA) and Media Defence have submitted a petition to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), concerning the responsibility of the Paraguayan State in relation to his death and the lack of due diligence in the investigation, prosecution and conviction of both the material and intellectual perpetrators.
On the 12th February, 2020, while having dinner with his wife, his son, and father-in-law in Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay, Léo Veras was attacked by masked gunmen who stormed his home and shot him 12 times. He was taken to the local hospital and died shortly afterwards.
Léo Veras, owner and manager of Porã News, reported on organised crime and violence in the border region between Paraguay and Brazil. Of the 21 journalists killed in Paraguay since 1991, around half were murdered in this region, and almost all of these cases remain unsolved. Paraguay currently ranks 84th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ World Press
Freedom Index and is among the countries most affected by organized crime globally. Journalists reporting on organised crime or political corruption in border areas continue to face threats, harassment and violence.
Six years after his killing, the circumstances surrounding the crime remain unresolved, and no final judicial determination has been achieved, denying his loved ones justice.
“Six years on, Léo Veras murder remains unsolved. None of the perpetrators have been convicted. The absence of a complete and effective investigation into his killing raises reinforces the impunity for this type of grave human rights violations in Paraguay. We are bringing this case to bring justice to the victims and break the cycle
of impunity. States have a clear obligation to prevent, investigate and punish crimes against journalists with due diligence. When they fail to do so, the impact extends beyond the individual case and undermines the protection press of freedom of expression more broadly.”– Carlos Gaio, CEO of Media Defence
“Not only has Léo Veras’ murder gone unpunished for six years, but his family, in addition to suffering his absence, has been threatened, harassed, and revictimized on numerous occasions. The message is perverse: not only can they blind a journalist’s life, but the damage to his family will not end with his death; on the contrary, it will be the beginning of a series of new sufferings.”
– Ezequiel Santagada, CEO of IDEA
Media Defence and IDEA request the IACHR to examine the case in light of Paraguay’s obligations to protect freedom of expression and ensure access to justice. The organisations emphasise the importance of effective investigations into crimes against journalists as a key element in preventing future attacks and safeguarding democratic accountability.
Contact: IDEA / Media Defence Press Office
Ezequiel Santagada (IDEA – +595 981 817300)
Marta Cabrera (MD – +44 (0)7836740683)
