Colombia: Journalist Laura Camila Vargas Confronts Extortion Amidst Official Indifference
The ordeal of Laura Camila Vargas reveals a disturbing trend of authority inaction in the face of rising extortion against journalists
Location: Colombia, Bogotá
Date: October 31, 2023
Authorities refuse to support journalist Laura Camila Vargas in extortion case following robbery. Ultimately, the situation culminated in a payout of 2.3 million pesos, not as a surrender but as a forced strategy to salvage what remained of her privacy and professional life, containing sensitive work materials and unreleased campaign content. The Coalition For Women In Journalism expresses its support for Laura Camila Vargas and condemns the acts of extortion she has endured. We urge authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the threats and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their behavior.
“I feel so helpless because of what happened and above all I am shocked by the negligence of the authorities”
"I feel so helpless because of what happened and above all I am shocked by the negligence of the authorities." says journalist Laura Camila Vargas expressing her helplessness and shock highlighting the negligence of the authorities. "They passively observe while various criminal activities are occurring, and there is evidence to support this claim," Vargas adds.
Laura Camila Vargas's ordeal began in September with the theft of her purse and quickly escalated when her cell phone was also stolen. The situation turned to extortion when her mother received messages from the criminals demanding a ransom to prevent the release of Vargas's private photos on social media.
Despite seeking help from the authorities, Vargas found little support. Gaula —the Unified Action Groups for Personal Liberty, established in 1996 and dedicated exclusively to combatting kidnapping and extortion — merely advised her not to negotiate with the criminals.
Vargas attempted to set up a sting operation at a shopping mall but was left without assistance when Gaula did not show up.
Frustrated with the lack of action from the Prosecutor's Office and Gaula, Vargas paid the extortionists 2.3 million pesos to protect her private information and work content. However, the criminals still threatened to release the photos, leaving her in ongoing distress.
Expressing her indignation, Vargas highlighted the lack of support she received and the absence of an operation to help her recover her belongings. She emphasized that all stolen cell phones eventually end up in the same place, yet no action is taken to address the issue.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism firmly stands by Laura Camila Vargas, offering unwavering support. Vargas's case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by victims of theft and extortion in Bogotá. It highlights the urgent need for the authorities to address these crimes promptly and effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of journalists and their citizens. As the investigation into Vargas's case continues, we urge authorities to promptly take action to recover her belongings and ensure that the culprits face appropriate consequences.
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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