Bolivia: Journalist Iris Toro Repeatedly Attacked While Reporting – Assaults on Press Workers Must Stop
Location: Bolivia, Potosí
Date: April 25, 2023
Violent groups verbally and physically assault journalists covering demonstrations. Radio Kollasuyo’s Iris Toro attacked twice in two separate incidents. The Coalition For Women In Journalists condemns attacks on the press and demands police action.
On April 25, journalists Iris Toro and her colleague Óscar Téllez were swarmed and physically assaulted by a violent mob while covering a protest in Potosí.
Toro followed protestors to a parking lot, after which they attacked the journalist.
In a similar episode on March 6, Toro was live recording a group of political supporters breaking into the offices of the Potosí Parliamentary Brigade when she was physically and verbally attacked.
“Despite the dangerous situation and not knowing what was happening, who were the enraged ones, I chased them and began to broadcast live,” said Toro.
Mar 6, 2023: Iris Toro assaulted by demonstrators at offices of the Potosí Parliamentary Brigade
The supporters of former Bolivian President Evo Morales saw Toro filming and started insulting and pushing her. They briefly took her phone, interrupting her broadcast.
Following the incidents, the Union Federation of Press Workers of Potosí condemned the assaults.
"We will not allow anyone to try to gag the press and silence us. We will fight for freedom of expression, information, and the press," said the union.
The National Press Association (ANP) has also expressed concern about the frequent attacks on press workers in Bolivia and demands police protect journalists.
Public distrust of media is widespread in Bolivia, exacerbated by political instability and harmful rhetoric from politicians. Physical assaults on the press have intensified since 2020.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the attacks on Iris Toro and her colleagues. We demand Potosí police ensure that journalists are protected, and those responsible for attacks are apprehended. Inflammatory language directed at the press by political figures can escalate into physical violence against journalists. Press workers must be allowed to report without fear of assault.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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