Former Colombian Intelligence Director Convicted for Torture of Journalist Claudia Duque

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On August 24^th, José Miguel Narváez was convicted for the aggravated and prolonged psychological torture of journalist Claudia Julieta Duque. Narváez was the Deputy Director of the now disbanded Colombian secret police, the Administrative Department of Security (DAS), who subjected Duque to over two decades of relentless persecution. The verdict delivered by the Tenth Specialised Criminal Court of the Circuit of Bogotá, marks the seventh sentencing in the harassment campaign against Duque.

Named by Duque as a key figure in orchestrating illegal activities within the DAS, Narváez was also convicted of espionage, though his case expired. In addition, he is serving a 26-year prison sentence for his involvement in the 1999 murder of the well-known journalist and satirical writer Jaime Garzón. Duque extensively investigated Garzón’s murder, helping to bring the case to light.

This recent judgment establishes Narváez as the primary architect behind the DAS’s campaign of illegal wiretapping, surveillance, and psychological torture against Duque that forced her into exile. A campaign that began while she was reporting on Garzón’s murder.

The court has ordered financial and symbolic reparations for Duque, along with measures to prevent further crimes against her. The President’s office has been directed to publish an excerpt of the court’s ruling on its official website for two years, linking to the full judgment. Additionally, the court has called for investigations into at least nine other individuals implicated in Duque’s torture and recommended further scrutiny of former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez’s alleged involvement.

This ruling is a significant advancement in protecting freedom of expression in Colombia and securing full reparations for Duque. It highlights the use of torture by state agents in targeting journalists and human rights defenders. It also marks progress in the fight against impunity for serious crimes against journalists in Colombia and acknowledges the specific gendered risks faced by Duque, representing a crucial step in addressing gender-based violence and protecting dissenting women’s voices.

We are proud to support Claudia Duque’s legal efforts and commend the court’s decision in the fight against impunity. However, continued efforts are essential to ensure that all perpetrators of these crimes against humanity are held accountable.

Interested in this topic?

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Read more about Claudia Duque’s cases here and here.
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