SANTIAGO, CHILE– In the middle of the speech by the president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, about press freedom, an unexpected situation arose. Benjamín Lillo, director of Signal 3 La Victoria, stormed the president to express his indignation at the lack of progress in the investigation into the death of journalist Francisca Sandoval in May 2022.
Lillo strongly criticized the passivity of the Government and the Ministry of the Interior in clarifying the case and expressed, “it is a mockery to talk about freedom of expression and the press when justice is not sought for our murdered companion,” the communicator stated in a tone of voice loudly, before those present in the speech that the Chilean president was offering.
In a symbolic gesture, Lillo and another colleague displayed a banner with Sandoval’s name and face, thus remembering his tragic fate. The journalist lost her life after being shot during the Labor Day riots in 2022.
Gabriel Boric’s reaction
The Chilean president stated that they were there to honor Francisca and seek justice for her. However, the exchange was not without tension when the journalist rebuked Boric for the alleged inaction of the Carabineros during the riots.
Boric reiterated that Sandoval was “brutally murdered,” but not by the police. He affirmed that she deserved justice and promised to expedite the investigation, showing a willingness to collaborate in clarifying the case.
This incident once again highlights the need for justice for press professionals who risk their lives in the exercise of their work. The death of Francisca Sandoval continues to be a symbol of the fight for freedom of expression in Chile.
Source: With information from Europa Press/DLA Editorial Staff
