Colombia: Publisher Drops Laura Ardila Arrieta’s Investigative Book Into Powerful Family, Fearing Lawsuits
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is alarmed by the publisher’s sudden decision, which sparks concerns over freedom of expression
Location: Colombia, Bogotá
Date: July 4, 2023
Journalist Laura Ardila Arrieta's forthcoming book on a powerful political family was pulled by the publishing house just days before its scheduled release. Editorial Planeta claims to have made the decision out of fear of potential lawsuits. The Coalition for Women in Journalism expresses deep concern over the sudden cancellation of Ardila's book, as the book had undergone thorough legal scrutiny and was deemed ready for publication. We call on Editorial Planeta to provide a comprehensive explanation for their decision.
On July 4, investigative reporter Laura Ardila Arrieta was left stunned when her publisher, Editorial Planeta, reversed its decision to publish her book on the influential Char family, citing concerns about potential legal claims.
The decision, which Ardila sees as an instance of prior censorship — incidents where journalists are required to obtain prior consent from those involved before publishing news related to them — has raised questions about freedom of expression and accountability in Colombia.
Ardila's manuscript, titled "La Costa Nostra," offers a deep dive into the unofficial history of the Char family, widely regarded as one of the most powerful political clans in the country. Her investigation into the Chars began in 2015, and after years of meticulous research, she approached Planeta, who agreed to publish her findings.
Before the publisher's announcement, Ardila had received support for her project from various sources. The El Veinte Foundation, known for defending freedom of expression, provided legal editing of the manuscript and agreed to defend Ardila if she faced legal consequences due to its contents.
Editorial director of Planeta, Mariana Marczuk, acknowledged the journalistic quality of Ardila's work, describing it as "a jewel of investigative journalism" and an "extraordinary book." However, despite these accolades, Ardila's contract was terminated abruptly.
Ardila revealed news of the publisher’s decision in her column for El Espectador. The decision to pull the book left Ardila perplexed. She wondered, "What could have happened? What fear could have been activated?" The praise from the director only adds to her confusion, as she finds the decision "even more unintelligible."
The decision to withhold "La Costa Nostra" has prompted Planeta’s literary director to step down and an outcry from artists and writers rallying behind the journalist. Ninety-five writers penned a letter to the publisher urging them to reconsider.
“Citizens lose when they cannot access information”
For Ardila, the censorship of her book is not just a personal setback but a matter of public interest. “Citizens lose when they cannot access information,” she wrote in an op-ed for El Espectador about the decision to withhold from publishing her book. She worries that this incident could discourage other journalists from pursuing similar projects which shed light on those in positions of influence.
“As a journalist convinced of the higher value of freedom, I resist any type of censorship, burying or taming the truth,” she says.
El libro ‘La Costa Nostra’ va a ver la luz. El silencio no será una opción https://t.co/euFF5AkOxz
— Laura Ardila Arrieta (@Laura_Ardila_A) July 13, 2023
Dangerous environment for journalist
The pursuit of truth and justice through investigative journalism in Colombia often comes at a grave cost. Those who shine a light on corruption, criminal enterprises, and unscrupulous politicians face legal harassment, death threats, and perilous risks.
In 2021, Juan Diego Gómez, then-President of the Senate, retaliated against investigative journalists Claudia Báez and Diana Salinas - after they exposed his alleged corruption and links to drug traffickers by filing a defamation lawsuit. Despite previous court rulings in favor of the journalists, Gómez persisted in launching repeated criminal complaints against them.
Last year, two journalists were murdered: Rafael Moreno, an independent journalist, and Wilder Córdoba, the director of the community television channel Unión Televisión.
Moreno was shot dead after he posted a Facebook video exposing alleged corruption. Unmasking powerful local politicians, mining companies, and paramilitary groups, Moreno accused them of embezzlement and corrupt practices. Similarly, Córdoba, known for his uncompromising investigative work and dedication to his community, met a brutal end in La Unión, Nariño, in November 2022.
Progress in both murder investigations has been frustratingly slow, with no suspects identified or charged thus far. These tragic incidents follow a pattern of retribution against journalists who dare to challenge the powerful.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is dismayed by Editorial Planeta’s decision to drop Laura Ardila’s book on the Char family. Especially as her reporting was deemed thorough and factually sound. We are worried about the seeming presence or prior censorship, suppressing critical reporting, promoting self-censorship, limiting press freedom, perpetuating impunity for crimes against journalists, and contributing to media concentration, hindering diverse voices and perspectives in the media. We call on the publisher to explain their reasons for not publishing the book and support the journalist in publishing her book, whether through them or another publisher.
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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