October 15, 2024 - Colombia, Bogotá

Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the recent harassment incident involving Red+ Noticias journalist Maria Juliana Correa during a live broadcast. Julián Andrés Gómez, president of the Duitama Council and a member of the Cambio Radical party, attempted to forcibly kiss Correa while she reported on the Colombian national team's victory over Chile.

The unacceptable behavior exhibited by Julián Andrés Gómez, president of the Duitama Council and member of the Cambio Radical party, is a stark reminder of the persistent challenges women journalists face in their profession.

Harassment, particularly from individuals in positions of power, undermines the integrity of journalism and creates a hostile environment for women in the industry. It is critical that all journalists, regardless of gender, are allowed to perform their duties without fear of intimidation or aggression.

We stand in solidarity with Juliana Correa and all journalists who encounter such violations. We applaud Giovanni Celis, director of Red+, for his swift condemnation of this incident and for pursuing legal action against Gómez. It is essential for media organizations and political figures to foster a culture of respect and accountability.

We call upon the Cambio Radical party to take decisive action in addressing this behavior and to ensure that such misconduct is met with appropriate consequences.