Caracol Television evacuated in Bogotá following bombing alert; Police rule out explosives
Bogotá Police confirmed there is no evidence of explosives after evacuating Caracol TV facilities on Saturday, 7 November. The channel reported that illegal groups had allegedly planned an attack on the headquarters.
Caracol Television evacuated in Bogotá following bombing alert; Police rule out presence of explosives
Bogotá Police ruled out the presence of explosives at Caracol Television's facilities on the evening of Saturday, 7 November, after channel personnel were evacuated as a precautionary measure in response to an alleged security alert. According to confirmation from the institution to elpais.com.co, there is currently no evidence of explosive devices either inside or in the surrounding area of the channel's headquarters, located in the Colombian capital.
"At this time there is no evidence of explosives in the vicinity or inside Caracol TV," police sources in Bogotá stated.
The channel reports threat from illegal groups
Caracol Television communicated via its X account at 9:27 p.m. on Saturday that the authorities had informed it of the intention of illegal groups to carry out an attack on its facilities. The channel indicated that it had adopted all necessary measures to protect its personnel and facilities.
"Caracol Television was informed by the authorities of the intention of illegal groups to attack the channel. We adopted all measures to protect our personnel and facilities," the media outlet stated.
The personnel who were working during the evening were evacuated immediately, according to the channel's own statement. Caracol Television also clarified that any additional information about what occurred would be provided by the competent authorities.
Ombudsman calls for press guarantees
The Ombudsman, Iris Marín, described the situation as serious and deeply concerning, and expressed her solidarity with the channel's workers. The official rejected any form of intimidation or violence against the press and requested that the authorities clarify the facts as soon as possible.
"The information about threats or risks of attacks directed against Caracol TV in Bogotá is serious and deeply concerning. We express our solidarity with all the people who work there and we reject any form of intimidation or violence against the press," Marín stated.
The Ombudsman also demanded that the authorities verify the truthfulness of the information and adopt the necessary measures to guarantee the safety of those working at the headquarters. "Guaranteeing the safety of journalists and the conditions for the free, independent exercise of journalism without intimidation is a state obligation and an essential guarantee of any democracy," she emphasised.
At the close of this report, Police were continuing verification work in the vicinity of the channel's facilities.
Source: Google News CO — Bogotá