Years of aggressive anti-media campaigns by the far-right party Vox culminated in the recent altercation

Location: Spain, Valencia
Date: November 12, 2023

Journalist Matilde Alcaraz and cameraman Toni Polit from Á Punt were attacked while reporting live by far-right protestors mobilized by the political party Vox. Extremists accused journalists of being manipulators, threw cans and made Nazi salutes. Vox, a far-right Spanish party, is infamous for its hostility towards critical media, including banning media outlets and defaming journalists. The Coalition For Women In Journalism denounces this assault on journalists trying to do their jobs. Reporters should be able to report from demonstrations without fear of attack. We condemn the political party Vox for instigating a climate of hostility against the press and demand journalists are free to report without harassment.

On November 12, a group of far-right extremists disrupted a live broadcast of À Punt, attacking journalist Matilde Alcaraz. The assailants, mobilized by political party Vox, were gathered outside the Socialist Party of the Valencian Country (PSPV) headquarters on Hospital Street in Valencia.

Protestors shouted insults at Alcaraz, surrounded her with Spanish flags, and threw cans of beverages at her. The live transmission also captured the extremists performing the Nazi salute.

"It becomes really difficult to work here amidst so much tension and hostility,” said Alcaraz amidst the tension as she tried to report. “They constantly label us, the press, as manipulators." 

Protests erupted across Spain over the weekend against the acting government's plans to secure another term in office by offering amnesty to those who participated in the illegal push for Catalan independence in 2017. The acting Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), argues that the amnesty would promote coexistence after the political and territorial crisis. PSOE’s push is being supported by an alliance of left-wing parties, including the Socialist Party of the Valencian Country (PSPV). Critics, including the conservative People’s Party (PP) and far-right party Vox, accuse Sánchez of a self-serving move to remain in power. Tens of thousands of people attended demonstrations against the amnesty in various cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.

The far-right party Vox, notorious for its hostility towards critical media, has escalated from excluding and defaming journalists to a physical altercation involving its supporters and the press. The party’s hostility towards women further adds fuel to the fire. Vox's anti-women agenda, as outlined in its manifesto, signals a severe threat to the progress made in women's rights in Spain. The far-right party aims to dissolve the Ministry of Equality, established to foster gender equality and replace it with a Family Ministry that promotes traditional family values and higher birth rates. Vox's policy extends to revoking key legislation that protects women's rights, including access to abortion and laws against gender-based violence.

The attack on Alcaraz prompted the management of channel À Punt to issue a statement condemning the assault on their news team. The statement detailed how the extremists outside the PSPV headquarters disrupted the live broadcast, preventing the journalists from fulfilling their duty due to the aggressive actions of some protesters. Organizations, political parties, and representatives across the spectrum also took to social media to condemn the attack on the reporter.

Alcaraz expressed her gratitude on Twitter for the outpouring of support. "Thanks to everyone on behalf of myself and my colleague Toni Polit for the support and condemnation of the attacks we experienced today while just trying to do our job," she wrote.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the attack against Matilde Alcarez and her colleague. Vox needs to acknowledge that its harmful narrative against press workers can have dangerous consequences for reporters on the ground. We demand an end to politicians’ incendiary language targeting journalists that can create a dangerous and hostile environment for those reporting, particularly during tense demonstrations. 

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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