Spain: Screaming, Humiliation, Woman Journalist Opens Up About Workplace Harassment

News Outlet El Diario cuts ties with its editor-in-chief after the shocking allegations

Location: Spain, Madrid
Date: August 29, 2023

Prominent digital newspaper elDiario.es has severed ties with journalist Peio Riaño following allegations of workplace harassment made by a woman journalist. The Coalition For Women In Journalism expresses solidarity with the journalist and strongly condemns the mistreatment of women journalists. We call for a comprehensive investigation and accountability regarding these allegations. 

A woman journalist, took to her social media accounts to disclose her experiences of "constant mistreatment" at the hands of an editor-in-chief during her tenure in the Culture section of a "national left-wing newspaper." 

“This is my story of the #seacabó (#metoo) or an attempt to get some sh** out of me that I lived through and made me suffer badly due to the abuse of power and mistreatment at work," she writes in her heartfelt Facebook post. 

The journalist recalls enduring "screams and humiliation in the middle of the newsroom" over several years, significantly impacting her self-esteem and creating a hostile work environment. Eventually, she left the publication voluntarily through a redundancy program.

Although specific names were not mentioned, there is strong speculation that the said outlet is Público and the accused individual is Peio H. Riaño, who served as the editor-in-chief. The reported incidents allegedly occurred between 2010 and 2011.

After the complaint became public, Peio Riaño — a seasoned journalist and self-proclaimed feminist — deactivated his social media accounts and has chosen not to offer any public explanations. According to internal sources, elDiario.es, a renowned digital newspaper, decided to part ways with the journalist.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism firmly stands in solidarity with the journalist, recognizing the gravity of the situation she has endured. We vehemently condemn the harassment and distress she has faced in her workplace, as it violates her rights and well-being. Such behavior should never be tolerated.

Given these distressing circumstances, we call upon the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. All aspects of the case must be carefully examined, ensuring that justice is served. Those responsible for the harassment must be 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.