Anastasia Mejia, a radio journalist from Joybaj, Guatemala, won the 2021 Press Freedom Award. The journalist was recognized for her relentless service in the field of journalism. Anastasia co-founded Xolabaj Radio, dedicated to news for the local community. In 2017, she also started Xolabaj TV, which broadcasts live and recorded content on the outlet's Facebook and YouTube accounts. Anastasia's channel aims to give a platform to women, especially Indigenous women, to share their life experiences and issues that impact their community. CFWIJ congratulates Anastasia for her well-deserving win.

Las personas y organizaciones abajo suscritas hacen un llamado a las autoridades guatemaltecas a retirar de inmediato todas las acusaciones penales contra la periodista radial indígena Anastasia Mejía Tiriquiz, quien enfrenta un proceso penal tras permanecer en prisión preventiva arbitraria durante más de un mes.

The undersigned individuals and organizations call on Guatemalan authorities to immediately drop all criminal charges against Indigenous Guatemalan radio journalist Anastasia Mejía Tiriquiz, who faces a criminal trial after being held in arbitrary pre-trial detention for more than a month.

Xol Abaj radio reporter and indigenous rights activist Anastasia Mejia was arrested on September 22 with charges of “sedition”, “aggravated attack”, “arson” and “aggravated robbery” following her broadcast from Joyabaj central square informing the public about the protests against corruption.