Colombian journalists face threats for publishing sexual abuse case

Colombian journalists associated with the 'Yo Te Creo Colega' movement are facing severe threats and intimidation after publishing testimonies of alleged sexual harassment. The journalists, who provide a platform for women in the profession to share experiences of gender-based violence, published two accounts on July 30.

One testimony came from Sofía Vela, who had filed a formal complaint with the prosecutor's office. The other was from a woman who wished to remain anonymous. A video of Vela detailing her case garnered significant attention on social media, which the movement described as the start of a "brutal digital attack." The accuser faced revictimization and mockery, alongside death threats.

Following these publications, members of the movement itself became targets of a harassment campaign. An analysis of over 26,000 mentions from July 28 to August 9 revealed a pattern of digital hostility. The report documented 248 social media mentions containing explicit threats or incitement to violence, 1,816 messages involving judicial pressure or threats, and 1,543 sexist insults.

Messages included direct threats against the journalists' families and references to potential physical assaults. Manipulated images and false publications were also part of the campaign. The report indicates that women who shared testimonies against Rafael Poveda also faced attacks and smear campaigns.

Juanita Gómez, who received a significant portion of the hostile mentions, reported death threats and threats of sexual violence, with some messages claiming to know her home address. Other affected journalists include Laura Palomino, Mónica Rodríguez, Catalina Botero, and Paula Bolívar. This movement previously published a report detailing over 300 testimonies of abuse of power, institutional silence, and the normalization of harassment within Colombian media.