Colombian President Calls Female Journalists 'Dolls Of The Mafia', Sparks Outrage

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has come under fire for his recent comments about female journalists, labeling them "dolls of the mafia." This remark, made during the inauguration of Colombia's first female human rights ombud, Iris Marin, has drawn widespread criticism from press freedom advocates and feminist groups. In a country where journalism is already a perilous profession, Petro's remarks have been perceived as not only inappropriate but as reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes in a nation grappling with violence against journalists.

The Controversial Remarks

Petro’s comments came during a speech on August 30, where he accused female journalists of being tools of powerful groups, specifically referring to them as "dolls of the mafia." The statement was part of his broader critique of the media, which he claimed had unfairly vilified him during the protests against Colombia's previous rightwing government from 2019 to 2021. Petro, a long-standing critic of Colombia’s conservative factions, had supported these protests as a lawmaker at the time.

However, what raised eyebrows was his specific focus on women journalists, a move seen as crossing a dangerous line. Petro’s frustration with the media is not new, but this was the first time he had singled out women in the press. While his accusations targeted what he described as "female journalists from the establishment... hired by dark powers," his words quickly ignited a firestorm, because his comments were profoundly sexist and dangerous in a country already known for its hostility toward reporters.

A Dangerous Environment for Journalists

Colombia is one of the most dangerous countries for journalists in South America, with frequent reports of threats and violence against those working in the field. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Colombia is notorious for its hostile climate toward journalists, with two reporters killed in 2023 alone. The FLIP Press Freedom Foundation has reported 171 instances of threats and attacks against female reporters in just the past year.

Petro’s comments have been condemned as contributing to an already perilous situation for female journalists, with critics pointing out that his language may incite further violence against them. The foundation warned that his remarks were being used as fuel for online content that perpetuates violence and reinforces gender stereotypes.

Carlos Jornet, a representative from the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA), expressed concern over the increasing tensions between the Colombian government and the press, exacerbated by Petro’s recent statements. “We observe with concern a strained climate for journalistic work in Colombia, exacerbated... by Petro's excessive expressions,” he said.

Backlash and Response

The backlash was swift, with multiple journalists and press freedom organizations denouncing Petro’s words. Claudia Palacios, a prominent Colombian journalist, took to social media, stating that “stigmatization kills, shortens lives, shortens dreams, shortens careers.” Her comments echoed the concerns of many in the media industry who fear that Petro’s words could lead to real-world consequences for female reporters.

Despite the outrage, Petro attempted to clarify his remarks, stating that his criticism was directed at specific journalists working for powerful interests. However, his explanation did little to ‘solve’ the backlash. Human rights ombud Iris Marin, whose appointment Petro was celebrating at the time of his remarks, distanced herself from the president's comments, stating, “there is no room for stigmatization” of female journalists in Colombia. “Nothing justifies it,” she added.

A Missed Opportunity for Reconciliation

On September 4, just days after the controversial remarks, Petro signed a historic decree aimed at protecting journalists from stigmatization. The decree, which was the first of its kind in the Americas, prevents public servants, including the president, from making derogatory statements about journalists. The moment could have served as an opportunity for Petro to repair the damage caused by his earlier comments. However, during the signing ceremony, Petro once again launched into a critique of the media, accusing journalists of spreading "slander" about him.

The decree, which could have been a step toward reconciliation, instead became another point of contention. Jonathan Bock, director of FLIP, remarked that Petro’s remarks during the ceremony were a “missed opportunity” to mend relations with the press. Instead of offering an olive branch, Petro doubled down on his criticism of the media, further deepening the divide between his administration and the country’s journalists.

A Pattern of Press Hostility in Latin America

Petro is not alone in his antagonistic approach toward the press. His comments reflect a broader trend in Latin American politics, where leaders from both the left and right have adopted hostile stances against journalists. Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has repeatedly criticized the media, while former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Ecuador's Rafael Correa were also known for their adversarial relationships with the press.

However, Petro’s "dolls of the mafia" comment stands out because it specifically targets women in a profession already fraught with gender-based violence and discrimination. Press freedom advocates fear that his remarks may embolden those who seek to silence female voices in journalism, further endangering an already vulnerable group.

The Colombian president’s remarks have sparked a crucial debate about gender, power, and press freedom in one of the world’s most dangerous environments for journalists. While Petro’s frustrations with the media are evident, his decision to target female journalists reflects deeper issues of misogyny and systemic discrimination that continue to plague Colombian society, and the entire world at large.