Argentina: Influencer Convicted for Harassing Marina Abiuso on Social Media
Verdict is a step towards addressing online harassment, sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated
Location: Argentina, Buenos AiresDate: April 11, 2024
Women Press Freedom welcomes the decision to convict and punish well-known libertarian influencer Emmanuel Danann for engaging in systematic harassment against journalist Marina Abiuso. The online personality launched an aggressive targeted campaign against Abiuso for her reporting on gender issues. Women journalists are repeatedly and viciously targeted online for reporting or expressing their opinions. Incessant hate takes its toll, and psychological distress can discourage many from speaking out, leading to self-censorship and a less diverse public sphere where women’s voices are sidelined. We commend Abiuso for taking legal action for the horrific hate she experienced and hope this ruling encourages others to seek recourse when they are faced with online harassment.
On April 11, 2024, the justice system in Buenos Aires convicted influencer Manuel Jorge Gorostiaga, known as Emmanuel Danann, for engaging in systematic harassment of journalist Marina Abiuso on social media platforms.
Through his various accounts and anonymous profiles with significant followings, Danann targeted Abiuso with derogatory and intimidating messages, urging her to refrain from discussing certain topics, notably the Lucio Dupuy case, a child murder in La Pampa.
Danann's actions were part of a broader campaign to discredit and silence Abiuso, who was a prominent advocate for equality agendas and served as a Gender editor for the TN news channel. The harassment escalated to the point where Abiuso received threats of rape and death, causing distress and fear for her safety.
The ruling mandates Danann to undertake 40 hours of community service and participate in a training workshop addressing gender violence. Danann himself opted for probation, volunteering to perform community service and conduct a workshop on Gender and Domestic Violence, thereby avoiding a trial.
The court order prohibits Danann from mentioning Abiuso through any means, including social media, phone calls, letters, banners, or even via third parties. Danann is also barred from approaching or contacting the journalist in any manner.
“Marina Abiuso has been afraid to go out on the streets and speak publicly and the systematic harassment on networks has affected her professional development, her mental health, and her freedom of expression,” stated Amnesty International Argentina after the court order was announced.
The human rights organization welcomed the conviction while noting that the case is part of a larger trend of increasing violence and discrimination against journalists who report on gender and diversity issues.
This ruling against Danann follows a prior conviction last month for discrimination, where he was fined and prohibited from mentioning or referring to the victim, a transgender woman, on any public platform. The case stemmed from a discriminatory post made by Danann, which incited offensive comments towards the victim and the transgender community.
Women Press Freedom celebrates the verdict and hopes it will serve as a significant step towards addressing online harassment and discrimination, sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be held accountable.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
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.