Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the acts of aggression and calls for immediate, transparent investigations into both officials' conduct

Location: Mexico, Torreón

Date: April 7, 2024

Women Press Freedom is appalled by the recent events in Torreón, Mexico, where journalist Camelia Muñoz faced egregious attacks while performing her duties. The verbal assault by municipal president Román Alberto Cepeda and the physical confrontation by press chief Cristal Barrientos during an interview at the Planetarium Torreón undermine the core principles of press freedom and highlight the perilous conditions under which journalists operate in Mexico. In Mexico, where journalists face constant physical threats and assaults, such actions only worsen the already challenging environment for independent reporting. We demand that the Mexican government take decisive action to protect journalists, implement stringent measures against those who violate press freedoms, and ensure a safe environment for the media to operate without fear of retribution.

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In a deeply troubling incident at the Planetarium Torreón, municipal president Román Alberto Cepeda launched a scathing verbal attack against journalist Camelia Muñoz, a collaborator of Proceso, during an interview regarding observations by the Superior Audit of the Federation on the 2022 public account. The mayor's press chief, Cristal Barrientos, also joined in, aggressively confronting and physically assaulting the reporter.

The confrontation unfolded amidst the backdrop of the total solar eclipse coverage at the Planetarium Torreón, a significant event where prominent officials, including the governor of Coahuila, Manolo Jiménez Salinas, and the mayor of Lagunero, were present. As Muñoz sought answers from the mayor regarding alleged irregularities in the municipal resource management highlighted by the audit, she faced hostility and aggression from the municipal president.

The exchange turned hostile when Cepeda questioned Muñoz's motives, demanding to know who had sent her. In a further escalation, Barrientos, the mayor's press officer, physically intervened by forcibly pushing the journalist and attempting to strike her, narrowly missing her as she evaded the assault.

Amidst the chaos, Barrientos identified herself as the mayor's press officer and warned the journalist sternly to show respect, threatening repercussions and asserting the mayor's authority.

The distressing incident unfolded before the eyes of other officials and members of the press in attendance, overshadowing the astronomical event and highlighting the challenges faced by journalists seeking accountability and transparency in their reporting.

The clash between public officials and the press underscores the broader issues of press freedom and the safety of journalists in Mexico, raising concerns about the intimidation and aggression faced by reporters simply in the pursuit of their professional duties.

Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Camelia Muñoz and condemns the aggressive verbal attack against her. We demand a thorough investigation into these threats and hold those responsible for verbally assaulting the journalist while performing her journalistic duties accountable. As the fallout from this confrontation reverberates, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of upholding press freedom and safeguarding the rights of journalists to carry out their work free from threats or reprisals. In Mexico, where journalists face constant physical threats and assaults, such actions exacerbate the already challenging environment for independent reporting. We call on the Mexican government to implement regulations to safeguard journalists and uphold media freedom.

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.

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