Location: Chile, Santiago
Date: May 5, 2022

Journalists Francisca Sandoval and Fabiola Moreno were among three media members injured by gunfire while covering a labour day demonstration in the Barrio Meiggs area of the capital, Santiago. Francisca, who was covering the demonstration for the Canal Señal 3 La Victoria was shot in the face and remains in critical condition. Fabiola, a reporter for Radio 7, was shot in the shoulder, while another journalist, Roberto Caro was shot in the leg. The latter two were discharged after medical treatment.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the gun violence that ensued on May 1, 2022, in the capital and calls on authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

In a statement condemning the attack against journalists, the Chilean Journalists Union wrote that they will be part of the lawsuits that the Chilean human rights organizations will file against those responsible for the violence that endangered the lives of journalists and participants alike. 

The attack took place two days ahead of World Press Freedom Day, underscoring how dangerous it has become for journalists to do their work. The incident highlights the urgency for safety measures for women journalists in the field.  

“This Monday, May 2, at the UNESCO Global Conference, we presented a bill for the protection of journalists that highlights the duty of the State to guarantee the exercise of journalism in a free and protected manner,” the Union wrote in their statement. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is extremely concerned for the health and wellbeing of Francisca Sandoval. We condemn the attacks on her, and on Fabiola Moreno and Roberto Caro and are thankful that the latter’s wounds were not fatal. This incident brings to the fore yet again how unsafe it has been for journalists to cover protests in Chile. Impunity for violence against journalists, even when seemingly random, only gives room to bad actors for further violence.  State authorities must immediately probe the incident and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. 

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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