Women Press Freedom condemns attack on news crew, calls for urgent prosecution of those involved

Location: Chile, San Bernardo
Date: July 4, 2024

Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent attack on Canal 13 reporter Delfina Gómez and her news crew while covering a police inspection of street vendors in San Bernardo. Reporter Delfina Gómez was forced to flee for safety as street vendors vandalized the news vehicle and threatened the cameraman. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but Canal 13 property was damaged during the assault. This frightening episode shows the dangers journalists face while reporting on the ground, often putting their safety and equipment at risk. Authorities must improve safety protocols for journalists in similar situations to ensure they can work without fear of violence or intimidation. Women Press Freedom calls on the police to immediately arrest and charge all those involved in the attack on the Canal 13 journalists.

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“This was an extremely aggressive situation," journalist Delfina Gómez explained following a violent attack against her and her Canal 13 colleagues on July 4, 2024, in San Bernardo.

The news crew was reporting on a police inspection of street vendors when the assault took place. The aggression started as soon as police arrived, just as the news crew was about to start documenting. These inspections are sensitive as vendors often disperse upon police arrival, which can lead to tense situations.

Gómez says the attackers, believed to be street vendors, started by throwing a rock at the team's van, breaking the rear window. Fortunately, no one inside was hurt.

The group then tried to break the safety film on the Canal 13 van's windows, indicating a sustained effort to cause harm. To avoid being hit, Gómez says she took shelter in a nearby shop for safety.

The Canal 13 cameraman faced threats but escaped injury, though his camera was slightly damaged.

The assault on the Canal 13 team in San Bernardo is a clear example of the threats journalists face. Such violence not only endangers journalists but also undermines press freedom and the public's right to know. Women Press Freedom calls for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible, as well as better safety measures for journalists in potentially dangerous situations. Police must investigate this assault and ensure those responsible are prosecuted.

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.

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