Grenade blast outside TV network puts Colombia’s media on edge

Two men on a motorcycle threw a grenade at the RCN media headquarters in Cali early on Wednesday, shattering windows but causing no injuries or deaths. The blast has heightened concern among Colombian journalists, following warnings and threats against several broadcasters, and raised fears about the seriousness of attacks on the press.

Caracol Televisión, Caracol Radio and public broadcaster Canal Trece have also faced warnings or threats in recent days; Canal Trece received a phone call telling journalists to keep quiet. Press freedom group FLIP has recorded 394 incidents against the press so far this year, compared with more than 500 in 2024, and says 37 per cent are threats. Responsibility for the latest incidents is unclear; the president ordered security forces to investigate, while Cali’s mayor offered a reward of up to 20 million pesos for information.