Peru: Prominent Journalist Rosa Maria Palacios Targeted on the Street by Extremist Faction
Far-right group La Resistencia's fourth instance of intimidation against the acclaimed journalist highlights the urgent need for protective measures for press freedom.
Location: Peru, Miraflores, Lima
Date: November 1, 2023Update: March 15, 2024
Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with esteemed journalist Rosa Maria Palacios, recognized for her investigative reporting and criticism of governmental corruption, who has once again become the target of far-right extremists. The group, referred to as La Resistencia, has singled her out for her critical stance on human rights violations, resulting in the fourth incident of intimidation against her. Despite explicit threats to her safety and well-being, the local authorities' response has been woefully inadequate, failing to deter the aggressors or provide her with any form of protection. We strongly condemn the harassment she has endured and urge authorities to take immediate and proactive measures to ensure the safety of journalists both in their residences and during the execution of their professional responsibilities.
On March 15, as she walked towards her home, Palacios was confronted by six people associated with the far-right group La Pestilencia. Due to her reliance on a cane, the journalist had to proceed carefully and ultimately had to retrace her steps for safety.
In a social media post, Palacios expressed her gratitude to the door staff and neighbors for their supportive actions: “I have safely arrived home. These people, who do not reside or work in the area, engage in political harassment. I share these words as documentation of the current situation in Peru.”
In November 2023, during an exclusive interview with Women Press Freedom, Palacios expressed, "I believe I am consistently targeted by La Resistencia due to my firm stance against human rights violations in Peru," addressing the persistent harassment she endures from the far-right extremist group.
The incident occurred on Halloween night, when La Resistencia members gathered outside Palacios' home, shouting insults and threats. Palacios reported it to the police, urging them to take action to protect the children in the neighborhood.
“I think that I am constantly harassed by La Resistencia because I have a strong position against violations of human rights in Peru”
The journalist has been targeted by La Resistencia, which has repeatedly harassed her at her home, as CFWIJ has documented. The attacks against the journalist started when Palacios denounced a series of violent clashes in 2022 and 2023 between protestors and the government, resulting in the deaths of at least 49 people, most of them Indigenous and unarmed.
Particularly, Palacios believes there is a connection between La Resistencia and two major political parties in Peru, Fuerza Popular and Renovación Popular. When Palacios and her colleagues uncovered issues with the quality and quantity of the food being distributed to a program that provides food to impoverished families in Lima, the mayor of Lima — who heads the conservative Renovación Popular — retaliated against the journalists and Latina, the channel that aired the report.
The reporter believes that Fuerza Popular and Renovación Popular support La Resistencia's actions and use them to silence dissenting voices.
La Resistancia
La Resistencia, led by the jailed former President Alberto Fujimori, is known for its cult-like devotion to Fujimori’s populist ideology, and has become increasingly bold in its attacks on the free press.
The movement, adhering to the authoritarian and socially conservative principles of Fujimorism, opposes LGBTQI rights and progressive education initiatives. La Resistencia has become notorious for its vocal advocacy of neoliberal economics and its staunch opposition to communism.
Juan José Muñico Gonzales, who goes by the alias "Jota Maelo," is at the helm of La Resistencia’s current activities. Maelo’s inflammatory posts on social media, which openly incite violence against journalists, have raised serious concerns about the safety of those who dare to speak out against the group or its ideology.
The police response to these protests has been tepid at best. This inaction has been emblematic of the government’s hands-off approach to La Resistencia's escalating aggression.
Despite repeated calls to law enforcement, the lack of arrests or charges against members of La Resistencia has only served to embolden the group.
Uncovering Human Rights Abuses
Palacios, who considers herself a conservative, tells CFWIJ that her conservative political views do not prevent her from defending human rights. The journalist suggests that her forthright reporting on governmental misconduct has led to a concerted effort by the authorities and La Resistencia to suppress her voice. Facing expulsion from numerous media platforms, Palacios cites significant pressure from political figures aiming to quell her investigations.
Despite the threats and harassment, Palacios says she finds solace in the support of her colleagues, neighbors, and family. This support network has been a source of comfort in the face of escalating threats and public vilification.
Women Press Freedom stands firmly in solidarity with Rosa Maria Palacios, offering our unwavering support. Palacios' struggle is emblematic of a larger issue within Peruvian society – the fragility of its judicial system and the impunity enjoyed by those who wield power to silence dissent. The assault on the press is an assault on the very fabric of democracy. In light of the appalling harassment faced by the distinguished journalist, it is imperative that the Peruvian government take decisive action. The silence and inaction of the authorities in the face of such brazen intimidation by La Resistencia is untenable. This is not merely a singular case of targeted aggression; it is a direct challenge to the principles of freedom of speech and the safety of those who dare to speak truth to power. We urge the Peruvian government to take immediate action to protect journalists and ensure their safety. It is imperative that La Resistencia are held accountable for their actions.
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.