Chile: Guard Assaults Daniela Muñoz During Interview with Former Mayor

Incident raises serious concerns about the safety and protection of journalists in their line of duty

Location: Chile, Santiago 
Date: January 17, 2024

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom is deeply troubled and unequivocally condemns the recent assault on journalist Daniela Muñoz in Santiago, Chile by a guard during a live broadcast. The guard's unprovoked and violent actions towards Muñoz, which included grabbing and striking her, are not only a blatant violation of her personal safety but also a disturbing attack on press freedom. The obstruction faced by journalists trying to cover a public interest story is deeply concerning. We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident and call upon Chilean authorities to hold those responsible accountable. The safety of journalists is paramount, and it is the responsibility of the government and law enforcement to ensure that they can perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.

"They just hit me," journalist Daniela Muñoz exclaimed during the live broadcast of CHV's morning show "Contigo en la mañana." Her words echoed with shock and disbelief as she recounted the distressing incident that unfolded before viewers' eyes. Muñoz was attempting to interview Cathy Barriga, the former Mayor of Maipú, as Barriga arrived at the Justice Center to face charges of fraud. 

However, her efforts were abruptly interrupted when a guard, without warning or provocation, assaulted her. The unexpected act of violence left Muñoz shaken and questioning her safety.

Muñoz described the incident as "super violent" and claimed that her colleagues were witnesses to the attack. According to reports from La Cuarta, the guard closed the door, forcefully grabbed Muñoz's foot and hand, and even struck her. The journalist expressed her outrage, calling the incident a "lack of respect."

The altercation occurred when the media tried to approach Barriga, who was accompanied by her husband Joaquín Lavín León, and court security officials. The guards obstructed the journalists, preventing them from following the accused former mayor on her third day of formalization.

This incident raises serious concerns about the safety and protection of journalists in their line of duty. The assault on Muñoz not only highlights the risks faced by journalists but also underscores the importance of press freedom and the need for accountability in such cases.

Despite the constitutional guarantees and the presence of a justice system that upholds freedom of the press in Chile, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The once thriving field of investigative journalism is facing a steady decline, while incidents of violence and aggression towards reporters are on the rise. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom expresses unwavering support for Daniela Muñoz. We strongly denounce the violence exerted by the guard towards the journalist. We are appalled by the lack of respect for journalists and press freedom. It is crucial that authorities thoroughly examine the incident and take appropriate action against the guard responsible. It is imperative that journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence or retribution. The pursuit of justice and accountability must prevail, ensuring a safer environment for journalists to fulfill their vital role in society.

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 women 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.