WPF strongly condemns harassment of RTP journalist, demands authorities intervene immediately to prevent escalation of violence

Location: Bolivia, El Alto
Date: July 24, 2024

Women Press Freedom expresses its support for Radio Televisión Popular (RTP) media outlet and its journalists who are being threatened and intimidated by the "Villca Clan," a family known for illegally seizing land in various parts of El Alto. Last year, the "Villca Clan" made headlines for forcibly occupying the RTP transmission plant in the Villa Ingenio neighborhood, using violent methods like demolishing walls and explosives. They have resurfaced recently, causing distress and fear among RTP journalists and staff, with journalist Jenny Ticona and her cameraman narrowly escaping assault by a member of the family. We strongly condemn this aggressive behavior towards RTP staff as a clear infringement of press freedom. We call on authorities to intervene and ensure the safety of the journalists before the situation escalates further. The perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions.

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On July 24, 2024, Jenny Ticona, a reporter from Radio Televisión Popular (RTP), and her cameraman, Gregorio Mamani, were the victims of an attempted assault by Blanca Villca Quispe, a member of the "Villca Clan” . The "Villca Clan," a group of urban squatters, have - through intimidation - taken over the land where the antenna for RTP is located in El Alto.

Ticona and her colleague were reporting on the hostile acts of the group when the attack took place.

“I am only doing my job as a journalist,” expressed Ticona with frustration. “I demand respect for the exercise of our profession and guarantees from the competent authorities for me and our coworkers.”

This is not the first time the gang has targeted RTP. In September 2023, members of the “Villca Clan” violently took over the RTP transmission plant by destroying walls and deploying explosives. Their reemergence and latest aggressive take over has sparked great concern amongst journalists and personnel from RTP.

"We fear for the safety of our colleagues working at the RTP studios in El Alto," said Eduardo Godoy, the news director of RTP, in a plea to the National Press Association (ANP) for support and intervention. With tensions escalating, Godoy has urged the authorities, including the Public Prosecutor's Office, to take swift action to protect the safety of RTP employees.

Since 2020, there has been a surge in physical assaults targeting journalists, particularly in rural regions in Bolivia. Numerous radio and television stations have experienced vandalism of their facilities, leading to disruptions in their operations. In 2021 seven journalists in Santa Cruz de la Sierra were abducted and tortured by a civilian armed group while reporting on land disputes, exemplifying the severity of the situation.

As the situation intensifies, the fate of RTP and its team hangs in the balance, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to ensure the protection of media freedom and the safety of those on the frontlines of reporting.

Women Press Freedom expresses deep concern for the safety of Jenny Ticona and all staff members of RTP in El Alto. We strongly condemn the violence and aggression they have endured. We demand swift action from authorities to defend press freedom and journalistic integrity, ensuring measures are taken to safeguard the journalists and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

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.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.