Journalists Killed in 2011 - Motive Unconfirmed: Héctor Francisco Medina Polanco

Omega Visión
May 11, 2011, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Provincial television journalist Medina was shot around 7:30 p.m. on May 10 outside his home in Morazán in the northern department of Yoro. He died the next day from related complications at a municipal hospital in San Pedro Sula.

The journalist, who produced and hosted the "TV9" news program for the local cable company Omega Visión, was on his motorcycle returning home from work when he was shot in the arm and the back by two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle who had been following him, according to CPJ interviews and press reports.

According to the Tegucigalpa-based El Heraldo, Medina had reported on corruption in the local mayor's office and on regional land disputes. The journalist's brother, Carlos, told CPJ that Medina had been threatened several times in the previous six months. El Heraldo said the journalist had reported threats to the local authorities.

Medina also worked for a government education project, his brother said.

Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.

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