Spain: Journalist Paula García de Mora and Colleague Pushed and Kick During Anti Amnesty Protests

Marks second incident against a woman journalist reporting on demonstrations in Spain

Location: Madrid, Spain
Date: November 15, 2023

In a recent and troubling surge of violence against journalists in Spain, Paula García de Mora, a cameraperson from Antena 3, and her colleague Javier Bastida, a reporter with La Sexta, were subjected to physical assaults while covering anti-amnesty protests in Madrid. This incident marks the second attack against female journalists in Spain within a week, highlighting a concerning pattern of hostility towards the press. The Coalition For Women In Journalism expresses alarm at this trend. Journalists must have the freedom to cover demonstrations without the looming threat of violence or assault. We urgently call for an end to the harassment of reporters on the ground and demand a secure environment where the press can fulfill their role without fear for their safety.

On November 15, Paula García de Mora, a cameraperson from Antena 3, and Javier Bastida, a reporter with La Sexta, revealed the harrowing situation they faced while attempting to report on demonstrations against the amnesty law in Madrid. According to García de Mora, the crowd in front of the Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) headquarters near Ferraz Street surrounded them and became aggressive. "They almost threw me to the ground. They also hit the camera," she recounts. Both journalists were physically assaulted, with García de Mora receiving a punch from behind and Bastida being kicked. The chaos forced García de Mora to leave the scene due to a panic attack.

The attack on García de Mora echoes the assault on journalist Matilde Alcaraz and her colleague in Valencia. On November 12, far-right extremists, allegedly mobilized by Vox, targeted Alcaraz and Polit while they were reporting live outside the Socialist Party of the Valencian Country (PSPV) headquarters. The extremists hurled insults, threw cans, and made Nazi salutes, creating a hostile environment for the journalists.

Widespread protests erupted across Spain in opposition to the acting government's endeavors to secure another term in office. This bid involves offering amnesty to those who participated in the illicit push for Catalan independence in 2017. 

Acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, representing the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), asserts that the proposed amnesty is crucial for fostering coexistence in the aftermath of the political and territorial crisis. The PSOE's initiative has garnered support from a coalition of left-wing parties. 

Critics, notably the conservative People’s Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party, contend that Sánchez's actions are motivated by self-interest to prolong his stay in power. 

Demonstrations against the amnesty drew tens of thousands of participants in major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the attacks on Paula García de Mora and Javier Bastida. It is imperative that reporters carry out their duties without fear of assault and harassment. We emphatically urge all demonstrators and political leaders to refrain from targeting or attacking press members reporting on the protests. While the right to protest is essential, it does not supersede the equally vital right to inform. The press has the unequivocal right to work and report freely and safely, and this must be respected.

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.