Journalists attacked by online mob after criticizing influencer for animal cruelty

Location: Colombia, Bogota

Date: February 9, 2024

Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with journalists Eliana Peñaloza, Luz Lancheros, and Juan Manuel Capera, who have faced egregious online attacks and death threats after rightfully criticizing the Colombian influencer Westcol's inhumane treatment of an animal. Westcol's response to the journalists' criticism, particularly his use of sexist language and derogatory remarks, not only undermines the professionalism of journalism but also perpetuates a culture of misogyny and discrimination. The deliberate targeting of journalists with online vitriol simply for expressing their opinions on Westcol's actions, along with attempts to doxx and persistently harass them, poses a significant threat to their physical and digital security. As a prominent online figure with millions of followers, Westcol bears the responsibility to acknowledge and rectify the hostile environment he has fostered for these journalists. We further strongly urge the authorities to take action. Perpetrators who harass journalists and coerce them into retreating from online platforms must be held accountable.

LATEST VIOLATIONS

On February 9, 2024, music and cultural writer for Publimetro, Eliana Peñaloza, commented on Twitter about influencer Westcol who shared a photo showing a vulture with a rope tied around its neck. The journalist remarked that the photo he posted constituted an incitement to animal cruelty.

Peñaloza's criticism of Westcol's photo prompted a vitriolic response from the influencer, who has two million followers on Instagram and over half a million on Twitter. He not only dismissed her work but also resorted to sexist language and derogatory comments regarding the journalist’s appearance. This initial attack quickly escalated into a barrage of over 400 abusive messages directed at Peñaloza, including threats to publish her personal information and even death threats. Peñaloza was forced to private her profile in response.

In a display of solidarity, Peñaloza's colleague, Luz Lancheros, also of Publimetro, spoke out against the harassment on Twitter. This, in turn, resulted in over 50 hateful messages, including threats and derogatory remarks about her weight, age, and appearance.

Westcol also threatened journalist, Juan Manuel Capera, in a live broadcast for publishing an article on the same topic on the Última Hora Col portal. The threat, combined with the digital harassment the journalist faced, was so intimidating that Capera was forced to close all his social media accounts and change his phone number.

Local press freedom organization FLIP says the attacks against the journalists pose a serious threat to the life and integrity of those affected. They also noted a Constitutional Court ruling that pointed out that online aggressions against women journalists can lead to other types of violence, such as physical assaults or threats.

The harassment by Westcol and his followers constitutes a serious violation of the right to freedom of expression and of the press. Women Press Freedom urgently calls on the Attorney General's Office to investigate the threats directed at Eliana Peñaloza, Luz Lancheros, and Juan Manuel Capera and to sanction those responsible. It is also important to note that these acts of online violence can lead women to refrain from using the internet, socially isolate themselves, or withdraw from public life, with serious consequences for their physical, psychological, and social well-being. This harassment not only undermines the journalists' digital security but also creates a chilling effect on freedom of the press, deterring journalists from reporting on sensitive issues or holding influential figures 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.