Women Press Freedom denounces attack targeting journalist for expressing her opinion

Location: Ecuador,Quito
Date: June 3, 2024

Women Press Freedom is calling for an official apology from Diana Jácome, the President’s advisor, for her recent social media attacks on journalist María Sol Borja following Borja's on-air criticism of Jácome. This attack is an abuse of power to discredit and intimidate a journalist for exercising her right to free speech. When journalists face personal attacks and implied threats from government officials, it undermines their ability to perform their duties without fear of reprisal. We demand a commitment from the government to respect journalistic independence and freedom of expression.

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On June 3, 2024, Diana Jácome, advisor to President Daniel Noboa, launched a verbal attack on journalist María Sol Borja on X. This was in response to Borja's analysis of an interview Jácome gave on a local radio station.

Diana Jácome responded to Borja's critique: "I live in peace and tranquility, unlike someone we both know. I didn’t see you defending me when I was attacked. We must be consistent. I only bless you; it must be difficult to have so much hatred in your heart."

Jácome's response implied that Borja harbored "hatred in [her] heart" and mentioned a mutual acquaintance in a manner that Borja interpreted as potentially threatening.

Speaking to Fundamedios, Borja mentioned she does not personally know Jácome and has never spoken to her, expressing confusion about the "someone we both know" reference in 

Jácome's tweet. Borja inferred that this might imply she has a political bias.

"I know her because she is a public figure, and maybe we crossed paths during some coverage, but nothing more," Borja says. "It is concerning that the message is accompanied by a 'blessing.' It sounds like something out of 'The Godfather.' Is it a threat? What's next, being approached on the street, funeral wreaths, what?" she added.

Regrettably, this is not the first time María Sol Borja has faced harassment for expressing her opinion. In March 2023, the journalist faced a wave of sexist insults online after criticizing Ecuador’s First Lady for her remarks on International Women’s Day, which Borja felt trivialized women’s struggles. The attacks, which included questioning Borja's mental capacity and urging her to "find a husband," intensified after she participated in an International Women’s Day event and published a column on violence against women.

Women Press Freedom denounces Diana Jácome’s attack against María Sol Borja. This kind of language, especially from a government official, can be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate and silence the journalist. We urge the Ecuadorian administration to cease targeting press members for doing their job and instead foster an environment where press freedom and freedom of expression are encouraged and valued.

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.