Anonymous message calls for journalist to meet the same fate as her murdered grandfather after politician accuses the reporter of corruption

Location: Costa Rica, San Jose
Date: November 8, 2023

Radio host Vilma Ibarra received a death threat following a politician accuses the reporter involvement in the mishandling of funds related to a major transport project. The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemns the targeting of Ibarra and calls on politicians to avoid using inflammatory rhetoric that puts journalists at risk of threats and harm.

Vilma Ibarra, radio host of the show "Habla Claro," disclosed on her November 8 broadcast that an online death threat was directed at her. The perpetrator, an alleged supporter of President Rodrigo Chaves, ominously called for Ibarra to meet the same tragic fate as her grandfather, Lucio Ibarra, a communist leader assassinated in 1948.

“Those of us who believe in Don Rodrigo Chaves are calling on everyone to give Mrs. Vilma Ibarra the same fate as her grandfather Lucio Ibarra,” wrote the commenter using a fake profile. 

The threat, emerging from a "Chavista" troll under an article on Crhoy, follows accusations leveled against Ibarra in the Costa Rican parliament. Politician Pilar Cisneros charged Ibarra with dubious ties to the Inter-American Communication Agency, implicating her in a scandal involving mismanaged funds for a major transport project.

Ibarra, a seasoned journalist, also serves as an independent consultant in strategic communication for national and international companies.

The threat against journalist Vilma Ibarra has prompted a united response from various legislators condemning the violence and calling for protective measures to safeguard freedom of the press and democracy in the country. In a plenary session, Deputy Eliécer Feinzaig said he considered the comment against Ibarra “a clear and direct threat” and urged the Minister of 

Security to provide protection for the journalist.

Costa Rica generally upholds press freedom and freedom of expression, distinguishing itself in Latin America. However, since the election of President Rodrigo Chaves in 2022, the country has dropped from 5th in the Reporters Without Borders index in 2021 to 23rd place in 2023. The President frequently displays a hostile attitude toward the press, engaging in systematic persecution with verbal attacks and economic measures. Chaves is also known to sideline critical media during press conferences and employ trolls on social media.

In a country that values press freedom and the journalist’s right to report, the threat against Vilma Ibarra has sent shockwaves among its politicians. The Coalition For Women In Journalism commends the robust and cross-party condemnation of the attack on Ibarra and echoes calls to provide the journalist with adequate protection to ensure her safety. 

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.