Panama: Journalist Guadalupe Castillero Attacked While Reporting on Vigil
The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns aggression and calls for accountability
Location: Panama City, Panama
Date: November 8, 2023
Journalist Guadalupe Castillero and her cameraman were abused while covering a vigil near El Carmen church Panama City. The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands united with Guadalupe Castillero. We condemn the aggression directed towards the journalist. Emphasizing journalists' vital role in informing the public, we demand their safety and respect. We advocate for a broader societal dialogue on the role of the media in democracy. Understanding and respecting the function of journalism in society is fundamental for the maintenance of democratic values and the prevention of such incidents in the future.
Journalist Guadalupe Castillero found herself in the midst of a tense altercation while covering a vigil for climate protesters who died during a demonstration against a government mining contract. The protesters were shot at close range by Kenneth Darlington, an elderly Panama-born US citizen, on November 7.
At the vigil, a group of protestors challenged her presence, accusing her of corruption and demanding her departure. The situation rapidly escalated as the protestors began hurling water at her, forcing her to abandon her coverage and leave the scene.
This confrontation stems from Castillero's previous role as the Director of Communications at the Comptroller's Office of Panama, where she was allegedly involved in unaddressed corruption cases. Her ties with deputy Marcos Castillero and a shift from the PRD party to a proclaimed journalist role have raised questions about her integrity in the field. Protestors at the vigil labeled her an infiltrator, undermining the credibility of genuine journalism.
In a joint statement, the Forum of Journalists for Freedom of Expression and Information, the National Council of Journalism (CNP), and the Panamanian Broadcasting Association (APR) have condemned the recent attacks and insults directed at journalists by organized worker groups during protests in Panama.
The unions also emphasized the importance of ethical and objective journalism, as well as the responsibility of citizens to critically consume information. They concluded their statement by highlighting the shared mission of restoring social peace in Panama.
The incident at El Carmen Church is not just about one journalist's confrontation with protestors but a reflection of the broader challenges facing the media in times of political and social turmoil.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism expresses its solidarity with Guadalupe Castillero and strongly condemns the harassment she endured. However, in alignment with the statements from the Forum of Journalists for Freedom of Expression and Information, the National Council of Journalism, and the Panamanian Broadcasting Association, we emphasize the need for ethical and objective journalism. We encourage all media professionals to adhere to these standards and for citizens to critically engage with the information presented to them. We also emphasize the importance of respecting journalistic work, which includes ensuring the safety of journalists and protecting their property and tools.
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.