Journalism organizations issue manifesto against media harassment

Journalistic organizations and unions have presented a joint manifesto titled ‘In defense of the journalistic profession and the right to information’ to combat the rising harassment of media professionals. The document, promoted by sixteen entities including the Colegio Profesional de Periodistas de Castilla y León and UGT, denounces the increasing frequency of insults, threats, and physical aggression faced by reporters, photographers, and camera crews during public demonstrations, social conflicts, and emergency coverage.

The manifesto calls on public authorities to guarantee the safety of information teams and requests explicit protection from law enforcement when journalists are prevented from performing their duties. Furthermore, the signatories condemn political groups that engage in the public targeting of specific journalists or use derogatory labels to intimidate them, arguing that such behavior creates a hostile climate that undermines democratic functions and the citizens' fundamental right to receive truthful information.