Paraguay: Mabel Portillo Faces Legal Measures Fueled by Mayor Gloria Duarte

Court-ordered restrictions against the journalist include a travel ban, mandatory court appearances and a distance order. 

Location: Paraguay, Asunción
Date: February 7, 2024

Women Press Freedom strongly denounces the ongoing targeting and harassment of journalist Mabel Portillo instigated by Yataity's mayor, Gloria Duarte. Portillo, known for her work in sharing critical public information, has faced persistent attacks, notably from Mayor Duarte who has lodged complaints against her on two occasions. The initial accusation was dismissed due to false testimonies orchestrated by Duarte and the support of Guairá-based journalists in Portillo's favor. Subsequently, after covering a public demonstration at the Yataity del Guairá municipal building, Portillo was once again targeted, this time accused of making death threats, coercion, and disturbing public peace. Consequently, she now faces a range of court-imposed restrictions, including a travel ban, mandatory monthly court appearances, and a restraining order. We demand the immediate dismissal of all charges against Portillo and her unconditional acquittal. Journalists must be able to fulfill their professional responsibilities without fear of intimidation or retaliation.

In an environment increasingly hostile to journalists, Mabel Portillo, a seasoned reporter who has come under fire from the Public Ministry, places a spotlight on the dearth of legal protections for freedom of speech and press freedom in her home country. Portillo's case emphasizes a system of justice that appears to prioritize the interests of those in power over the rights of its citizens.

Portillo, targeted for sharing public interest information, faces repeated harassment from Yataity del Guairá's Mayor, Gloria Duarte. Complaints filed against her, including an accusation of gender violence, were dismissed due to false testimonies by Duarte and support from Guairá journalists in Portillo's defense.

Portillo's troubles began after she posted an article on the Guairapress portal, where she is employed, discussing a retaining wall constructed by the Yataity municipality. The wall was subsequently destroyed by heavy rains in April of the past year, and Mayor Duarte had allegedly committed to its rebuilding. The piece focused on public works and the use of communal funds, a topic that appears to have irked the mayor, prompting her complaint against Portillo.

Duarte alleges that the publication impacted her psychologically, leading her to accuse Portillo of gender violence under Law 5777/16.

As Women Press Freedom has documented,  following her coverage of a public protest at the Yataity del Guairá municipal building on December 7, 2023, Portillo faced renewed scrutiny. She was accused of making death threats, coercion, and disturbing public peace by prosecutor Martin Escalada. This led to a set of court-ordered restrictions, including a travel ban, mandatory monthly court appearances, and an injunction against contacting the mayor.

Portillo voices her concern regarding these measures, highlighting the challenges they pose due to her close proximity to the mayor. "Living on the same block as the mayor, I have no assurance of justice and I am anxious about potential repercussions," she remarked. "Following the accusations against me, all journalists face similar risks. The authorities seem to favor those in power rather than those who uphold the truth.”

The journalist views the court order as a form of censorship, imposed in response to her reporting on an alleged embezzlement of funds by the Yataity municipality. "I will not back down. I will continue publishing the truth and I will not let anyone silence me for revealing the truth. I have proof of what I say," said Portillo, during a press conference.

The situation has sparked widespread backlash on social media and among media professionals, with many criticizing the accusations brought forth by the mayor. Some observers suggest that the mayor is employing the justice system to silence criticisms regarding the use of municipal funds. They argue that the court's ruling is a misuse of laws designed to protect women.

Women Press Freedom calls upon the Paraguayan judiciary to review its decision and absolve Mabel Portillo of baseless charges. We are dedicated to following her case as it advances, recognizing its profound impact on press freedom in Paraguay and worldwide. We vehemently condemn the legal harassment she has endured and the court's ruling aiming to stifle her press freedom. We urge the court to reassess its judgment and swiftly clear the journalist of all allegations.

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.