Peru: Ultra-Right Harasses Award-Winning Journalist Rosa María Palacios At Home
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is concerned by police inaction despite repeated targeting of the political columnist
Location: Peru, Lima
Date: June 27, 2023
Ultra-Right wing group La Resistencia repeatedly harass journalist Rosa María Palacios. In the last few months, protestors have gathered outside her house, insulting the renowned columnist. The Coalition For Women In Journalism is concerned by the lack of police action. We urge the attorney general to investigate those targeting her immediately.
On June 27, 2023, the home of respected journalist Rosa María Palacios became a target, yet again, of the Ultra-Right wing group La Resistencia. Its supporters gathered outside her residence, hurling abuse and protesting her work as a columnist for La Republica.
Palacios - known for her incisive analysis and critical perspective on political issues - captured the incident on video, expressing her frustration at the lack of police intervention.
In response to the incident, Congresswoman Flor Pablo formally urged the Attorney General to launch an immediate investigation into the members of La Resistencia in the hopes of identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the intimidation and harassment.
Doxxing, Trolling, Real Life Threats
Often described as a cult of personality, the group La Resistencia is led by former President Alberto Fujimori, who currently serves a lengthy jail sentence for human rights violations. The cult, associated with the populist ideology Fujimorism, is characterized by authoritarianism, endorsement of neoliberal economics, opposition to communism, and socially conservative positions. It strongly opposes LGBTQI rights and education curricula that promote gender equality and sex education.
At the forefront of La Resistencia is Juan José Muñico Gonzales, known by his alias "Jota Maelo." Maelo has, on social media, actively propagated violence against journalists.
In February, he doxxed journalist Gustavo Gorriti, urging followers to gather there and intimidate him. Members of the extremist group subsequently gathered outside the homes of Gorriti and Palacios. Armed with loudspeakers, they subjected the journalists to a barrage of abuse, accusing them of spreading fake news.
Police arrived but took no action to stop the protest, allowing it to continue until the protestors eventually dispersed on their own.
Despite numerous calls to the police regarding La Resistencia, no arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed. As a result, the harassment continues unabated, leaving journalists and human rights defenders vulnerable and fearful for their safety.
Rosa María Palacios is a prominent figure in Peruvian media who has dedicated her career to providing a critical voice in the fight against government corruption and protecting democracy and human rights.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the targeting of the journalist and the inaction of the police. The repeated harassment highlights the urgent need for authorities to address the growing threat La Resistencia and its leaders pose.
We urge the Public Prosecutor and Attorney General to investigate and prosecute those responsible swiftly.
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.