Bolivia: Miriam Peñafiel and Carmen Challapa Excluded from Police Information Networks

Decision likely linked to their critical reporting on law enforcement

Location: Bolivia, Cochabamba
Date: December 14, 2023

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom condemns the exclusion of journalists Miriam Peñafiel (Los Tiempos) and Carmen Challapa (Radio Fides-Cochabamba) from police information networks in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Their removal from WhatsApp press groups linked to the Special Force to Fight Crime (FELCC) and the Departmental Command of the Cochabamba Police is a blatant violation of the freedom of the press and the right to access information. The decision to exclude these journalists, which we believe is linked to their critical reporting on law enforcement, sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the principles of transparency and accountability that are fundamental to any democratic society. We urge the police to ensure equal access to information for all members of the press.

On Dec 14, 2023, journalists Miriam Peñafiel and Carmen Challapa revealed they were abruptly ousted from two law enforcement press group chats eight months ago. Despite pleas for reinstatement, access has not been restored.

Bolivia’s National Press Association (ANP) condemned these actions as a violation of the right to access information, asserting that such exclusions border on prior censorship, explicitly prohibited by the Political Constitution of the State.

Peñafiel, who had been part of police information groups for several years, expressed disbelief at the sudden exclusion. Speculating without an official response, she suggested a connection between her removal and critical stories she covered about personnel within the Special Force to Fight Crime (FELCC). This reporting apparently displeased the current director of the police unit.

Peñafiel faced additional challenges due to her association with journalist Carmen Challapa, who is allegedly deemed unwelcome in police units. Los Tiempos’ director, Luz Marina Canelas, sought explanations for Peñafiel’s exclusion from the public information group but received justification from a police chief citing her friendship with Challapa.

Challapa revealed that complaints to the group administrator were met with the response, "the departmental director must authorize; you are not authorized," highlighting a lack of transparency and accountability in the exclusion process.

Similarly, Peñafiel encountered a parallel situation with the Departmental Command chat group. Despite requests to join the newly created group following the appointment of a new administrator, she was denied access with the same justification: lack of authorization.

Press chat rooms, prevalent across public and private institutions, serve as crucial tools for communication between entities and reporters. Both journalists argue that this "veto" constitutes a restriction on access to information and unjustified discrimination, placing them at a severe disadvantage compared to their peers in other media outlets. This exclusion forces them to seek alternative channels for coverage, hindering their ability to report on police sources effectively.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom urgently calls for an immediate end to the exclusions of Miriam Peñafiel and Carmen Challapa from the police press networks. Both journalists are dedicated professionals, committed to ethical journalism and providing the public with crucial information. By restricting their access to information, the police are not only punishing these journalists for their integrity but are also depriving the public of important insights into the workings of law enforcement. We urge the relevant authorities to immediately reinstate Miriam Peñafiel and Carmen Challapa to the police press networks. Their exclusion must be recognized as an unacceptable act of discrimination and a direct attack on the freedom of the press. 

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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