Controversy in Colombia following Petro's comments about female journalists.

The words of President Gustavo Petro have sparked a wave of controversy and rejection in the Colombian journalistic sphere. During the inauguration ceremony of Iris Marín Ortiz as the first female Ombudsman, the president referred to certain journalists as "mafia dolls." This comment, deemed aggressive and derogatory, has been well received by some but has faced strong opposition from organizations defending press freedom, such as the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP). The FLIP has expressed its concern over the use of terms that generalize and stigmatize journalists, perpetuating stereotypes of gender-based violence. In a context where violence against female communicators has been on the rise, the president's words only serve to exacerbate a phenomenon that has already been documented through multiple cases of aggression. So far this year, the FLIP has reported 171 incidents of violence against journalists, of which 43 have been direct threats, highlighting a digital harassment that particularly affects women in the profession. The reaction to the president's words has not taken long to manifest on social media. Since Petro's statement, messages have emerged that not only support his perspective but also promote aggressive and stigmatizing content. Hashtags like #MuñecasDeLaMafia have begun to circulate, amplifying a discourse that threatens the integrity and journalistic practice of these women. The FLIP has pointed out that such attacks have been facilitated by a political rhetoric that normalizes digital violence and misogyny. This context has prompted the Constitutional Court to take action. In May 2023, the court issued a tutela ruling aimed at protecting journalists from online attacks. The decision was driven by the evident lack of protection faced by communicators in an increasingly hostile environment. The high court urged political parties to adopt ethical codes that include sanctions for those who incite violence on social media and called on the government to present a bill to regulate digital violence. The tutela was requested by a group of journalists who, after receiving misogynistic and sexualized attacks, sought protection. In analyzing the case, the court highlighted that online attacks are often linked to the actions of political actors, underscoring the intersection between gender-based violence and politics in Colombia. A clear example occurred when journalist Vicky Dávila reported an incident, and President Petro responded in a way that sought to discredit her, generating a wave of digital violence against her. Another emblematic case is that of María Jimena Duzán, who has been the victim of brutal harassment after publishing a critique of former president Álvaro Uribe. The response to her column was a series of attacks that employed misogynistic and stigmatizing language, demonstrating that these aggressions are systematic and follow a clear pattern. Senator María Fernanda Cabal also participated in this attack, illustrating how politics can be a breeding ground for violence against women in journalism. The Constitutional Court not only ordered the protection of journalists but also established guidelines for creating a legal framework to regulate digital violence. This recognition of digital violence as a specific type of gender-based violence is a crucial step in the fight for equity and the protection of women's rights. The court has emphasized the importance of having clear mechanisms that allow communicators to report violence and access justice effectively. However, the implementation of these recommendations and the creation of appropriate laws still face obstacles. The need for open and constructive dialogue between the state, civil society, and the media is urgent to build a safer environment for journalistic practice. Authorities must take a proactive role in defending press freedom and protecting those who carry out this work, particularly women who face multiple layers of violence. Amid this landscape, the situation of journalists in Colombia highlights the urgency of a cultural and normative change. Violence against women in journalism cannot be ignored or normalized. The rhetoric of power must be used responsibly, and political leaders have an obligation to contribute to an environment where freedom of expression and respect for human rights are the norm, not the exception. The defense of press freedom and the protection of women journalists is a matter that concerns society as a whole. The FLIP and other organizations continue their monitoring and advocacy work, but it is essential to establish a collective commitment to eradicating gender-based violence in all its forms, especially in those areas that seek to inform and educate the public. The fight for a free and fair press is undoubtedly a fight for democracy itself.