Title: Forbidden Stories: The fight against corruption in Colombia continues after the disappearance of Rafael Moreno
Introduction :
As part of the “Rafael Project”, France 24 joined forces with around thirty media outlets coordinated by the organization Forbidden Stories to continue the investigations of Colombian journalist Rafael Moreno, assassinated on October 16, 2022. One year after this tragic event, The results of this international investigation are alarming, highlighting a system of corruption and violence in the department of Cordoba. This article reviews the recent progress of this investigation and the consequences of Moreno’s assassination on the region.
The electoral climate tainted by fear and silence:
As local elections approach, the town of Puerto Libertador, where Rafael Moreno resided, is plunged into a climate of sadness and mistrust. The inhabitants, traumatized by the assassination of the journalist, voted without enthusiasm and without real conviction. The Cordoba region is controlled by the Clan del Golfo, the largest cartel in the country, which reinforces fear and silence. Residents no longer dare to report cases of corruption for fear of reprisals.
The slowness of justice and the weight of impunity:
A year after the assassination, the investigation into the murder of Rafael Moreno has made no significant progress. Despite the appointment of a Medellin prosecutor to avoid local pressure, no arrests have been made. The journalist’s family endures the weight of impunity every day, while songs in honor of Espedito Duque, former mayor of Puerto Libertador and regular target of Moreno’s alerts, echo through the city’s streets. This impunity reinforces the feeling of injustice and vulnerability in the region.
The journey of Rafael Moreno, defender of local resources:
Rafael Moreno was a man committed and passionate about defending the region’s resources. Coming from a modest family, he started as a gold prospector with his father before working as a day laborer in the coca fields. In 2015, attracted by politics, he joined the campaign team of Espedito Duque, who became mayor of Puerto Libertador in 2016. Disappointed by Duque’s corruption, Moreno became an investigative journalist and founded his own online newspaper ” Voces de Cordoba”. His fight for transparency and the fight against corruption cost him his life.
Conclusion :
One year after the assassination of Rafael Moreno, the fight against corruption and impunity in Colombia continues thanks to the “Rafael Project” and the Forbidden Stories organization. Despite the obstacles and the climate of fear, Moreno’s family, supported by international media, is determined to bring justice and end the corruption plaguing the Cordoba region. This story highlights the importance of press freedom and resistance in the face of oppression to preserve democracy and fundamental rights.