Press freedom groups attack President Gustavo Petro of Colombia for calling female reporters “dolls of the mafia”. This is amidst Colombia’s reputation as one of the most dangerous countries in South America to be a journalist.
Petro made this remark on 30 August during the inauguration of Iris Marin, Colombia’s new human rights ombud, and first woman to take up that position, without the slightest hint of irony.
Petro has consistently reacted sharply to media criticism since becoming Colombia’s first leftist president, accusing journalists of conspiring with armed groups, business leaders, or other powerful figures. Some view the most recent incident as evidence that he has crossed a line-most notably in a country where dozens of women reporters are threatened and attacked each year.
Petro Labelled Female Journalists As ‘Dolls Of The Mafia’
In his speech, Petro attacked the “female journalists of power” and labeled them “dolls of the mafia.” He said those journalists had strongly criticized the 2019-2021 protests against the right-wing government in power before him.
At the time, he was a legislator and joined those demonstrations. It is not known why he targeted female reporters.
Criticism was swift, and Petro tried to walk back his comment, explaining he meant “female journalists of the establishment. hired by dark powers,” but the explanation failed to soothe outrage.
Later, Marín added there is no place for stigmatizing female journalists in Colombia, and he said, “Nothing justifies it.”
Press Freedom Groups Slam Colombian Presidents For His Remarks
RSF described Colombia as “one of the most dangerous countries in the continent for journalists” as two journalists were already murdered this year.
The FLIP Press Freedom Foundation noted that comments by President Petro were used to justify online content that was either violent or reinforced gender stereotypes.
The foundation said it reported 171 cases of threats and attacks against women reporters since last year but has yet to divulge details.
A petition filed on Tuesday with the Council of State – Colombia’s highest court for administrative affairs – requested an order forcing Petro to apologize for what it called the “dolls of the mafia” comment.
