Controversy Surrounds RTVC's Special on 'Tirofijo': Are They Idolizing a Controversial Figure?
The Colombian public broadcasting system, RTVC, is finding itself at the center of a heated debate following the broadcast of a special program about Manuel Marulanda Vélez, also known as 'Tirofijo', the deceased leader of the FARC guerrilla group. Critics are alleging that the program, aired on Señal Colombia's 'El Calentao', veered into the territory of glorification, particularly due to the participation of Sandra Ramírez, 'Tirofijo's widow.
The controversy is escalating as voices from various sectors are expressing concern that RTVC, funded by public resources, might be inadvertently rewriting history and disrespecting the victims of the FARC's violent acts. The debate touches upon the delicate balance between historical memory, freedom of expression, and the ethical responsibilities of public media.
Aired Content Sparks Outrage
The program featured an image of 'Tirofijo' in a FARC camp in Caquetá, with Sandra Ramírez offering a description that some viewers found disturbingly "tender." This portrayal, according to critics, overlooked the well-documented atrocities committed in these camps, including kidnappings, murders, and sexual violence.
«We were in a camp, by the edge of a river called Platanillo towards the mountain range, and it turns out that the comrades had caught a little bird, which they cared for like the apple of their eye, and he simply bends down to talk to it. We called the bird 'Bolitas',» Ramírez indicated, as reported by Pulzo.com (Redacción Nación, 2024).
While RTVC initially shared the video on its social media platforms, the post was later removed from their X account following a wave of criticism. This action, however, did little to quell the growing discontent.
Director's Comments Add Fuel to the Fire
Further inflaming the situation, William Parra, the director of RTVC Noticias, reportedly made comments that seemed to praise Marulanda, even suggesting that objects belonging to 'El Paisa', a commander of the Teófilo Forero column (one of the most feared within the FARC), should be donated to Señal Memoria as part of Colombia's historical heritage.
Ethical Boundaries in Public Broadcasting
Diana Saray, a journalist, voiced her outrage at the program, highlighting the contrast between the seemingly benign portrayal of 'Tirofijo' and the horrific experiences of FARC victims. She recounted the story of a minor who was allegedly forced to have an abortion by Marulanda, even after being eight months pregnant.
«'Very nice Marulanda as he is seen talking to the little bird, very tender,' says the presenter... yes, he taught us that the life of animals should not be interrupted, that it must be respected,» Saray wrote on X, as cited by Pulzo.com (Redacción Nación, 2024).
Petro's Government and Media Tensions
This controversy occurs amid existing tensions between President Gustavo Petro's government and certain media outlets. Petro has previously clashed with Caracol, RCN, and Canal Uno over their opposition to the broadcast of cabinet meetings, which they view as violating constitutional mandates regarding official addresses to the nation.
The Core Issues at Stake
- Historical Memory: How should public media portray figures with a controversial legacy?
- Victim Respect: How can media outlets ensure that the experiences of victims are not overshadowed or minimized?
- Government Influence: To what extent should government influence shape the editorial decisions of public media?
- Freedom of Expression: How can freedom of expression be balanced with the ethical responsibilities of public broadcasting?
The situation raises critical questions about the role and responsibilities of public media in a society grappling with a complex and painful past. As Colombia continues to navigate the path towards peace and reconciliation, the way its media outlets portray historical figures like 'Tirofijo' will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping public discourse and collective memory. The incident underscores the need for a thoughtful and nuanced approach to covering sensitive historical topics, ensuring that the voices of victims are heard and that the pursuit of historical truth is not compromised.
