Spain: CFWIJ Condemns The Targeted Harassment Of Sonia Lopez By Anti-mask Protestors
Location: Spain
Date: July 2, 2021
Sonia Lopez, a correspondent for Antena 3, was harassed while covering an anti-mask demonstration in the Plaza de Colón, Madrid. The movement, named World March For Freedom, was protesting the use of masks and the administration of vaccines in minors. Sonia was recording a segment for the program Espejo Público when protestors started to shout insulting slurs at the journalist.
CFWIJ condemns the targeted harassment of the journalist who risked her own safety to cover the demonstration. We extend our support and solidarity to Sonia Lopez and appreciate her journalistic efforts.
Sonia recorded the images of hundreds of protestors gathering without masks as they carried banners reading "State Terrorism" and "False Pandemic" while chanting for freedom. The presenter at the protest criticized vaccines, referring to them as “experimental gene therapy”, and demanded an end to the proclaimed dictatorship. The journalist revealed that despite some protestors leaving the crew alone, many rebuked and insulted them. Sonia and her team were even asked to remove their masks while covering the demonstration.
A number of these demonstrators turned violent towards the media crew and claimed to be "fed up with lies". Sonia even recorded a person accusing the media of being murderers. One woman blamed the media for the pandemic, stating, "you are the means by which this genocide is being carried out". Another person called Sonia an "idiot" for wearing a mask. He continued to insult the media, using words like "hitmen" and "scoundrels".
The Coalition For Women In Journalism denounces the harassment of Sonia Lopez by anti-maskers. Journalists should not have to face such intimidation and interference while covering events as they unfold. We urge the authorities in Spain to monitor protests and prevent the deliberate targeting of journalists.
The CFWIJ strongly condemns the police brutality against journalists. We demand the immediate return of the press cards seized from the security forces. Policies to intimidate journalists should be abandoned, and journalism should be practiced under the criteria of freedom of the press.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.