Colombia: Three Journalists Stalked for 5 Months by Former Military Officer
This alarming situation, beginning in early August 2023, has escalated from unsolicited gifts to physical intimidation near the journalists' workplace
Location: Colombia, Bogotá
Date: January 7, 2024
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom is deeply disturbed by the ongoing harassment of Alejandra Murgas, Lucía Fernanda Yánez, and Katrina Melguizovski, journalists from Noticias Caracol, by a former military officer, Alfredo Navas Alvis. These acts of intimidation and harassment, which have significantly disrupted the daily routines of these journalists, are not only reprehensible but also represent a grave threat to press freedom and the safety of women journalists. We urgently call on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and expedient investigation into these acts of harassment. It is imperative that the perpetrator, Alfredo Navas Alvis, is held accountable for his actions. We also urge the Colombian judicial system to recognize the seriousness of these threats against journalists and to take more effective measures to protect them, particularly women, who are disproportionately affected by such harassment.
Alfredo Navas Alvis, a former military officer who served in the Army for two decades and attained the rank of first vice sergeant, has continuously harassed Noticias Caracol journalists Alejandra Murgas, Lucía Fernanda Yánez, and Katrina Melguizovski. This disturbing case of harassment has sparked concern and has been extensively detailed by the affected journalists in interviews and testimonies given to the media.
Alvis began his harassment campaign in early August 2023, according to Murgas. What started as a seemingly harmless letter escalated into the sending of unwanted gifts and culminated in Alvis relocating himself near the television channel's facilities to intimidate the journalists. When security personnel declined to accept these gifts, Navas Alvis reportedly escalated his harassment.
“From surveillance, they told me that he pretended to be talking on the phone with me, saying that I had asked him to come pick me up, that he was waiting for me because I had requested him to come and pick me up,” Murgas expresses recounting the harrowing experience.
Murgas, feeling increasingly threatened, reported the harassment to the authorities. However, the apparent ineffectiveness and inaction of the judicial system in Colombia in this case are deeply concerning. The delayed filing of complaints, the absence of prosecutors at scheduled hearings, and the general lack of support from authorities are indicative of a larger systemic issue that needs immediate attention.
Murgas voiced her disappointment over the lack of support from the authorities, emphasizing the need for more assistance, particularly for women facing clear cases of harassment, such as the one she and her colleagues have endured.
After Murgas publicly voiced her concerns on Noticias Caracol on January 10, the authorities announced protective measures for the journalist. These measures aim to safeguard her integrity and ensure her safety.
“I have to change my routine. I can no longer leave through the normal entrance. I have no peace of mind,” adds Murgas.
The harassment was not limited to Murgas. Yánez was approached by Alvis near the channel station during her stay in Bogotá at the end of the year. Similarly, Melguizovski documented on video how Alvis followed her on the Transmilenio transportation system during her journey to the media station. He positioned himself uncomfortably close to her on public transportation, intruding on her personal space by pressing his legs against hers.
“I have to change my routine. I can no longer leave through the normal entrance. I have no peace of mind.”
The journalists' experiences highlight a concerning pattern of harassment that has disrupted their lives and forced them to adopt additional security measures. The apparent ineffectiveness of the judicial system in this case underscores the urgent need for authorities to take more effective measures to address and prevent such situations.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom firmly stands with Alejandra Murgas, Lucía Fernanda Yánez, and Katrina Melguizovski, as well as all women journalists who face harassment in the course of their professional duties. We denounce not only the harassment but also the inaction of the relevant authorities. We call for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances and insist on holding the perpetrator accountable.
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.