Bolivia: Masked Men Attack Radio Station, Padlock Studio and Threaten Reporter Lesli Monroy

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is concerned about attack and censoring of radio stations covering struggles of Yungas coca growers

Location: Bolivia, La Paz
Date: August 14, 2023

Indigenous woman journalist in Bolivian radio station - Image for illustrative purposes

Correspondent for Radio FMBolivia Lesli Monroy threatened while trying to intervene in a raid to shut down the private radio station. Masked men threw tear gas, confiscated equipment, and padlocked the studio doors. This marks the third radio station in the Sud Yungas province of La Paz to be forced to halt operations in 2023. The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemns this attack and calls for an end to the targeting of critical press outlets and journalists.

On Monday, August 14, a group of hooded men forcibly entered and padlocked the Radio FMBolivia studio in La Paz. Reporter Lesli Monroy was threatened when she tried to intervene and prevent the men from taking the studio’s equipment. The director of the station, Galo Hubner, reported the men wore ski masks and used tear gas during the raid.

The radio station is located within the premises of the Association of Coca-Producers (ADEPCOCA), an organization that represents coca growers. Due to conflicts with the government, the organization has split into different factions. One of the main points of contention is the government's policy of categorizing certain areas as red, yellow, or green zones for coca plantations. Farmers in the Yungas region, who have been cultivating coca in red zones, face the threat of crop eradication as these areas are considered illegal farming zones according to government policy.

Radio FMBolivia is believed to have been targeted due to reporting on the struggles of Yungas coca growers, which has led to confrontations and the imprisonment of anti-government activists. The topics have reportedly upset the leadership of ADEPCOCA, leading to an alleged rent debt by Radio FMBolivia.

Gualberto Alarcón, a local leader of coca growers, strongly condemned the attack on the station, as it has been reporting on the imminent threat of crop eradication faced by farmers in the area.

The actions against Radio FMBolivia are not isolated incidents. Other radio stations in the Sud Yungas province of La Paz that have broadcasted similar messages supporting anti-government coca growers have faced challenges recently. Radio Yungas de Chulumani ceased operations in January after the state Telecommunications Authority (ATT) did not renew its license. Radio Activa, owned by residents of the Calzada locality, had its equipment confiscated for operating without authorization, while Radio Alternativa in La Asunta municipality was fined for non-compliance with technical requirements.

Critics argue that these actions against the radio stations are politically motivated, as the affected outlets are viewed as opposing the government.

The press freedom violations in Bolivia have raised concerns among coca growers and their supporters. They have taken to the streets of La Paz to demand respect for freedom of expression and argue that actions against the radio stations contradict the country's constitution, which supports the creation of community media on equal terms and opportunities.

Community radio stations in Bolivia play a vital role in providing information to remote regions, serving to educate and democratize society, particularly for indigenous communities. The roots of community radio in the country can be traced back to mine radio stations in the late 1940s, which were used as a tool for independence and resistance against authoritarian governments.

The government has responded to these concerns by stating that all radio stations can continue their broadcasts after obtaining the necessary licenses and complying with legal obligations. However, critics say that the government selectively enforces these regulations.

The threats against correspondent Lesli Monroy and the censoring of radio stations covering protests by coca farmers are deeply alarming for press freedom in Bolivia. These incidents underscore the urgent need for a robust defense of journalists' rights and the importance of an independent media that can report on issues of public interest without fear of reprisal. The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns ADEPCOCA’s targeting of critical media and calls on the Telecommunications Authority (ATT) to take immediate action to ensure the safety and freedom of community press in Bolivia.

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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