Palacios receives barrage of intimidating messages and threats targeting her physical appearance

Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Date: May 8, 2024

Women Press Freedom stands in full support of Stephanie Palacios, who received threats on social media after asking President Andrés Manuel López Obrador during the morning press conference about alleged sanctions against journalists. We strongly denounce these alarming incidents targeting Palacios for simply fulfilling her journalistic responsibilities. These threats underscore the serious dangers that women journalists face in their line of work. We applaud Palacios for taking action by lodging a discrimination complaint with the Mexico City Attorney General's Office against those who incited hatred or violence towards her. We urge the Attorney General's Office to treat her case with urgency and ensure that those responsible face swift and appropriate consequences.

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On May 8, 2024, during the La Mañanera press conference, Stephanie Palacios confronted President López Obrador about sanctions imposed on journalists for interrupting him during his daily briefings. This exchange prompted Palacios to express concerns about the treatment of journalists attempting to ask questions during the conference.

Following the confrontation, the President assured that there were no restrictions on journalists regarding the topics they could address and emphasized a departure from past practices.

In the aftermath, Palacios reported that her question was met with mockery online. After facing intimidating messages and threats that focused on her physical appearance and hair color, as well as suggestions that she seek therapy, Palacios took a stand by submitting a discrimination complaint to the Mexico City Attorney General's Office against those responsible for inciting hatred or violence towards her.

Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Stephanie Palacios. We vehemently condemn the threats and intimidation she has endured while simply doing her job. In Mexico, where journalists face significant risks in holding power accountable, it is essential that they can carry out their work without fear of reprisal, intimidation, or violence. We urge the Attorney General's Office to prioritize Palacios' case and take decisive action to ensure her safety and well-being and hold those responsible for the threats 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.

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