Colombian journalists face death threats after reporting sexual abuse

Journalists belonging to the Colombian movement ‘Yo Te Creo Colega’ have reported receiving death threats, misogynistic attacks, and digital intimidation following the publication of sexual abuse testimonies. The movement, which documents gender-based violence within the media industry, released accounts involving prominent journalist Rafael Poveda in late July.

A forensic report analyzing approximately 26,000 social media mentions from over 10,000 accounts between July 28 and August 9 documented significant harassment. The findings included 248 explicit threats or apologies for violence, 1,816 messages of judicial pressure, and 1,543 sexist insults. The attacks targeted the journalists and their families through digital platforms and, in some instances, intimidating phone calls.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called on Colombian authorities to provide urgent protection for the affected journalists, including Mónica Rodríguez, Juanita Gómez, Catalina Botero, Paula Bolívar, and Laura Palomino. The movement has reportedly collected more than 300 testimonies from women in the journalism sector.