Colombia: Eliana Peñaloza and Luz Lancheros Receive Death Threats
Journalists attacked by online mob after criticizing influencer for animal cruelty
Location: Colombia, Bogota
Date: February 9, 2024
Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with journalists Eliana Peñaloza, Luz Lancheros, and Juan Manuel Capera, who have faced egregious online attacks and death threats after rightfully criticizing the Colombian influencer Westcol's inhumane treatment of an animal. Westcol's response to the journalists' criticism, particularly his use of sexist language and derogatory remarks, not only undermines the professionalism of journalism but also perpetuates a culture of misogyny and discrimination. The deliberate targeting of journalists with online vitriol simply for expressing their opinions on Westcol's actions, along with attempts to doxx and persistently harass them, poses a significant threat to their physical and digital security. As a prominent online figure with millions of followers, Westcol bears the responsibility to acknowledge and rectify the hostile environment he has fostered for these journalists. We further strongly urge the authorities to take action. Perpetrators who harass journalists and coerce them into retreating from online platforms must be held accountable.
LATEST VIOLATIONS
On February 9, 2024, music and cultural writer for Publimetro, Eliana Peñaloza, commented on Twitter about influencer Westcol who shared a photo showing a vulture with a rope tied around its neck. The journalist remarked that the photo he posted constituted an incitement to animal cruelty.
Peñaloza's criticism of Westcol's photo prompted a vitriolic response from the influencer, who has two million followers on Instagram and over half a million on Twitter. He not only dismissed her work but also resorted to sexist language and derogatory comments regarding the journalist’s appearance. This initial attack quickly escalated into a barrage of over 400 abusive messages directed at Peñaloza, including threats to publish her personal information and even death threats. Peñaloza was forced to private her profile in response.
In a display of solidarity, Peñaloza's colleague, Luz Lancheros, also of Publimetro, spoke out against the harassment on Twitter. This, in turn, resulted in over 50 hateful messages, including threats and derogatory remarks about her weight, age, and appearance.
Westcol also threatened journalist, Juan Manuel Capera, in a live broadcast for publishing an article on the same topic on the Última Hora Col portal. The threat, combined with the digital harassment the journalist faced, was so intimidating that Capera was forced to close all his social media accounts and change his phone number.
Local press freedom organization FLIP says the attacks against the journalists pose a serious threat to the life and integrity of those affected. They also noted a Constitutional Court ruling that pointed out that online aggressions against women journalists can lead to other types of violence, such as physical assaults or threats.
The harassment by Westcol and his followers constitutes a serious violation of the right to freedom of expression and of the press. Women Press Freedom urgently calls on the Attorney General's Office to investigate the threats directed at Eliana Peñaloza, Luz Lancheros, and Juan Manuel Capera and to sanction those responsible. It is also important to note that these acts of online violence can lead women to refrain from using the internet, socially isolate themselves, or withdraw from public life, with serious consequences for their physical, psychological, and social well-being. This harassment not only undermines the journalists' digital security but also creates a chilling effect on freedom of the press, deterring journalists from reporting on sensitive issues or holding influential figures accountable.
WPF vehemently condemns the threats and defamatory accusations directed at María Jimena Duzán, a respected journalist who has long been a stalwart defender of press freedom and investigative journalism in Colombia.
WPF stands firmly with Claudia Julieta Duque, a journalist who was consistently threatened and psychologically abused by various members of the Administrative Department of Security (DAS).
WPF 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.
WPF stands in unwavering solidarity with journalists Eliana Peñaloza, Luz Lancheros, and Juan Manuel Capera, who have faced egregious online attacks and death threats after rightfully criticizing the Colombian influencer Westcol's inhumane treatment of an animal.
WPF stands in unwavering solidarity with Angie Alquichides and other journalists who were subjected to unacceptable hostility while attempting to report on the protests in Bogotá, Colombia.
Angie Téllez, Estefanía Maldonado, Deisy Nivia, and another woman who has asked to remain anonymous, have been targeted with relentless sexual harassment by a man sending the reporters explicit videos in direct messages on social media and through WhatsApp.
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.
In a shocking display of hostility towards press freedom, Viviana Llorente from Noticias RCN has become the target of harassment and death threats.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom applauds the recent decision by a Bogotá Superior District Court to convict a former Colombian state security agent of aggravated psychological torture against journalist Claudia Julieta Duque between 2001 and 2004.
CFWIJ extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late journalist Luz Piedad Eusse, known affectionately as Lupi, who tragically lost her life during a racing event.
Authorities refuse to support journalist Laura Camila Vargas in extortion case following robbery.
State-affiliated channel Telemedellín has terminated the employment of journalist Juliana Buitrago following her interview with Medellin mayoral candidate Albert Corredor during a recent political rally.
Estefanía Colmenares receives death threat, declaring her a target with price on her head.
The journalist had to relocate due to the risks she faced as a journalist and may now face deportation.
Exiled journalist Carola Briceño has been on a hunger strike for eight days outside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) headquarters in Bogotá.
Journalist Laura Ardila Arrieta's forthcoming book on a powerful political family was pulled by the publishing house just days before its scheduled release.
President of the Senate Juan Diego Gómez filed a defamation lawsuit against Cuestión Pública’s founders Claudia Báez and Diana Salinas.
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights held the Colombian state responsible for the abduction, rape, and torture of journalist Jineth Bedoya in 2000. The court claimed that officials of the state were not only directly responsible for the torture Jineth suffered but institutions enabled the sexual assault by not taking the threats against Jineth seriously despite earlier complaints. The courts believed the negligence was a result of gender discrimination and ordered that those involved should be given adequate punishment.
Journalist and activist Rebecca Linda Marlene Spöressor shared on Facebook on Friday, July 23 that she survived an assassination attempt. She confirmed that her friend stood in-between her and the attacker, taking all of the gunshots himself. Rebecca was wounded by projectiles from the fired bullets, though she remembers holding a briefcase that protected her from further injuries. Rebecca sustained scratches to her arms and chest. CFWIJ condemns the attack on the journalist and demands a swift inquiry into this assassination attempt. We demand the police to conduct a thorough search and catch the culprit behind this attack.
Police viciously attacked Katy Sánchez and Alexandra Molina, reporters of Colombian independent RCN Radio, while they were covering anti-government protests in the capital, Bogota. Security forces impeded journalists from filming the protests and beat them. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) condemns police brutality against journalists. We demand the Colombian authorities conduct a full investigation into the use of disproportionate force and to ensure the safety of journalists. Journalists must freely do their job.
State representatives walked out in “protest” from a virtual hearing in Jineth Bedoya’s case. The hearing aimed to determine the role of the Colombian state in the ordeal that Jineth went through in 2000. This is the latest in a series of attempts by the state to impede the investigation.
Colombian journalist María Efigenia Vásquez Astudillo was killed as she reported on clashes between the police and the indigenous community.
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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