subjected to threats, in the framework of which, on May 27, 1999, she was the victim of an attack
in which her mother, Luz Nelly Lima, was injured and had to be hospitalized. 78 The attack was
reported to the authorities but, as indicated by Ms. Bedoya and not disputed by the State, these facts
were never investigated, despite the fact that she filed a complaint with the Police and with the
Administrative Security Department (hereinafter "DAS"). 79
54. On August 25, 1999, she was "provisionally" assigned protection. 80 Specifically, the Director of
Protection of the DAS sent a written communication to Ms. Bedoya in which he informed her that the
technical risk assessment carried out by the DAS’s Protection Committee found “indications of
vulnerability to her freedom, her life, and her personal integrity.” 81 On November 20, 1999, Ms.
Bedoya sent a communication to the Director of Protection of the DAS in which she informed him
that, "due to the recommencement of threats against [her] life," she had decided to accept the
aforementioned protection scheme offered. 82 On November 24, 1999, the Coordinator of the
Protection Area of the General Office of the Special Administrative Unit for Human Rights—under the
Ministry of Interior Affairs—sent a communication to Ms. Bedoya informing her that “her case is not
within the target population of the Protection Program” of that ministry, suggesting that she contact
the “State security agencies.” 83 While she continued doing her journalism work and frequently went
to the La Modelo Prison to secure information on “issues concerning the prison, public order, and the
peace process,” the journalist continued to be the target of threats and surveillance. 84
B.
Facts that took place on May 25, 2000
55. On April 27, 2000, there was a clash between paramilitaries and members of common criminal
gangs inside the La Modelo Prison, which ended with the deaths of 32 inmates. 85 Ms. Bedoya, along
with other journalists, systematically reported the events. Specifically, she investigated allegations
regarding the role of the paramilitaries in the acts of violence, as well as about the actions of the
security forces, publishing the corresponding newspaper articles. 86 As a result of this, she and her
78
Cf. Statement from Jineth Bedoya Lima given at the public hearing held on March 15, 22, and 23, 2021 within the
framework of the 140th regular sessions, and Statement made before a notary public by Luz Nelly Lima, of March 6, 2021
(evidence file, folio 39917). Also see Complaint filed by Jorge Enrique Cardona Álzate before the Office of the Attorney General
of the Nation, May 26, 2000 (evidence file, folio 92); Sworn statement given by Jorge Enrique Cardona Álzate before the
Office of the Attorney General of the Nation, November 1, 2011 (evidence file, folio 16).
Cf. Statement from Jineth Bedoya Lima given at the public hearing held on March 15, 22, and 23, 2021 within the
framework of the 140th regular sessions. This was also corroborated by Ms. Luz Nelly Lima. Cfr. Statement made before a
notary public by Luz Nelly Lima, of March 6, 2021 (evidence file, folio 39918).
79
80
Cf. Communication from the Administrative Security Department [DAS], of August 25, 1999 (evidence file, folio 95).
81
Cf. Communication from the Administrative Security Department [DAS], of August 25, 1999 (evidence file, folio 95).
Cf. Communication from Ms. Bedoya to Colonel J.D.G.P., Director of Protection of the DAS, of September 20, 1999
(evidence file, folio 97).
82
Cf. Official Letter from the Coordinator of the Protection Area, General Office of the Special Administrative Unit for
Human Rights, Ministry of Interior Affairs, November 24, 1999 (evidence file, folio 99). See also statement by Jorge Enrique
Cardona Álzate given during the public hearing held on March 15, 22, and 23 within the framework of the 140th regular
sessions.
83
84
Cf. Sworn statement given by Jorge Enrique Cardona Álzate before the Office of the Attorney General of the Nation,
November 1, 2011 (evidence file, folio 16).
85
Cf. Statement from Jineth Bedoya Lima given at the public hearing held on March 15, 22, and 23, 2021 within the
framework of the 140th regular sessions. Also see Complaint filed by Jorge Enrique Cardona Álzate before the Office of the
Attorney General of the Nation, May 26, 2000 (evidence file, folio 92); and sworn statement given by Jorge Enrique Cardona
Álzate before the Office of the Attorney General of the Nation, November 1, 2011 (evidence file, folio 16).
86
Cf. Expansion of statement made by Jineth Bedoya Lima before the Office of the Attorney General of the Nation, May
30, 2000 (evidence file, folio 105); Complaint filed by Jorge Enrique Cardona Álzate before the Office of the Attorney General
of the Nation, May 26, 2000 (evidence file, folio 92); Sworn statement given by Jorge Enrique Cardona Álzate before the
Office of the Attorney General of the Nation, November 1, 2011 (evidence file, folio 16).
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