Last Saturday, the body of Argentine journalist Griselda Blanco was found at her home in the province of Corrientes, in northern Argentina. The scene revealed signs of strangulation, beatings, torture, and traces of blood on the ground. This crime has caused a stir among the country’s journalists’ unions, which have demanded a transparent investigation by the authorities. At first, a version was spread based on anonymous sources who claimed that it was a suicide.
However, the first suspect arrested in the case is Armando Jara, Blanco’s ex-partner. If his guilt is confirmed, the theory that the motive for the crime was related to the journalistic work of the victim would be ruled out. Several reporters have recalled that Blanco received threats in recent weeks and that, due to her combative nature, she had problems with the political and police authorities in Corrientes.
In her last radio programs, Blanco made complaints, among which she highlighted a case of malpractice at the Fernando Irastroza Civil Hospital in Curuzú Cuatiá (Corrientes) that a friend of hers had suffered. These complaints and her questioning about justice in the province generated concern and questions about her safety.
In response to the murder of the journalist, the Argentine Federation of Press Workers (Fatpren), the Buenos Aires Press Union (Sipreba), Argentine Journalists, and the Argentine Journalism Forum (FOPEA), among other organizations, have demanded justice and a thorough investigation. The case has had such an impact that a brigade of the Argentine Federal Police (PFA) has joined the investigation.
An autopsy on the body is expected to take place on Monday, and more clarity on events is expected once the sole suspect testifies. The professional work of the victim and the cases in which she was working demand that the authorship and motivation behind her tragic death be clarified, according to a FOPEA statement.