Protesters interfere and physically attack reporters; police provides minimal assistance

Location: Colombia, Bogotá

Date: April 21, 2024

Women Press Freedom is gravely concerned by the verbal and physical aggression directed at thirteen journalists in various Colombian cities during their coverage of recent anti-government protests. Among the targeted journalists were Vanessa Romero, a photojournalist from El Tiempo, Sayni Elisa Agámez and Johana Niño, both correspondents for RTVC, and Beatriz Bolaño from Juan Maza BQ digital media. We strongly denounce the intentional attacks on journalists as they fulfill their journalistic duties. The absence of action from police forces is completely unacceptable. We call on authorities to prioritize the protection of press freedom, conduct a comprehensive investigation into these assaults, and hold those responsible accountable.

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Violence erupted during recent demonstrations — attracting approximately 250,000 conservative and far-Right activists — against the government, leading to attacks on thirteen journalists in Bogotá, Bucaramanga, Barranquilla, and Medellín on April 21. Reporters faced physical assaults, verbal abuse, and threats, prompting them to halt their coverage to ensure their safety. Fortunately, none of the journalists sustained any injuries during these incidents.

Accusations of being "sell-out journalists," "provocateurs," and having manipulated information were directed at the journalists. 

• Eight reporters had objects thrown at them, including bottles and cans, while documenting the protests. 

• In Barranquilla, photographer Vanessa Romero and presenter Deivis López from El Tiempo encountered a man attempting to disrupt their live broadcast and physically assaulting them. 

• Sayni Elisa Agámez, RTVC's correspondent in Atlántico, was also assaulted by a person who pulled her hair and hit her. Misogynistic comments were directed at Agamez, undermining her work based on gender and appearance.

• In Medellín, Hernan Muriel, director of Cofradía para el Cambio, and his cameraman Jack Muriel were threatened with repercussions if they continued reporting. 

• Nelson Lugo, journalist and director of El Tamal News, was forced to cease coverage after being ordered to leave.

Journalists faced impediments as protesters obstructed their work by covering recording equipment with flags and banners. Instances of gender-based violence were also reported, with Beatriz Bolaño of Juan Maza BQ being spat on and targeted with physical aggression in Barranquilla. 

Many journalists noted a lack of police presence during the attacks, while others received minimal support when present. 

Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Vanessa Romero, Sayni Elisa Agámez, Johana Niño, Beatriz Bolaño, and other journalists targeted while reporting on the demonstrations. We join calls by local journalism organizations demanding law enforcement to implement measures to safeguard journalists during demonstrations. We urge Mayors to assign officials to monitor and protect journalists during protests, while demonstrators are urged to denounce violence against the press and cultivate a discourse that upholds diverse voices in news coverage. Women Press Freedom will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for the rights and safety of journalists in Colombia.

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.