An Alleged Male Prostitution Ring Ignites Debate About Privacy and Journalism Ethics in Colombia

An Alleged Male Prostitution Ring Ignites Debate About Privacy and Journalism Ethics in Colombia

Translation posted 22 February 2016 16:47 GMT

During the week of 15 February 2016, a series of shocking allegations came to light via the Colombian media about an alleged network of male prostitution, financed by senior members of the Colombian government known as “The Fellowship of the Ring”, in which agents of the country's police force were obliged to give sexual favours in exchange for career promotions.

Soon, an investigation was opened against the director of the Colombian National Police service, General Rodolfo Palomino. Then, radio network La FM published a leaked video that supposedly implicates Deputy Interior Minister Carlos Ferro in the alleged male prostitution network. The resignations of Palomino, Ferro, and La FM director Vicky Dávila followed.

All of the above came at a time when Colombia was already debating freedom of expression, freedom of the press and respect for privacy (given that the video would expose the alleged homosexuality of the now former deputy minister). These turbulent events have fueled discussions even more, and made the case the most talked about media scandal of the year.

Twitter user Juan Mosquera reflected that despite the recent resignations, the deeper-rooted problems remain unresolved.

More:
https://globalvoices.org/2016/02/22/an-alleged-male-prostitution-ring-ignites-debate-about-privacy-and-journalism-ethics-in-colombia/