By Natalia Rueda 
Rising Tensions
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has once again been at the center of controversy for his recent statements about the country’s female journalists. During a speech in Nuquí, Chocó, on September 1, Petro referred to female journalists as “mafia dolls”, which provoked widespread indignation and condemnation from various sectors of society.
The president’s comments have been widely interpreted as a psychological attack on female journalists who are simply carrying out their professional duties. Supporters of press freedom and fair journalism have strongly criticized Petro’s remarks, viewing them as an attempt to undermine the credibility and integrity of women in the field.
The Repercussions
Vanessa de la Torre, a prominent Colombian journalist, responded to Petro’s comments with a strong statement in defense of press freedom. She highlighted the challenges faced by journalists, including threats from various sectors and pressure from political figures seeking to suppress unfavorable information. De la Torre called the President’s statements “crazy” and “disrespectful,” suggesting that his choice of words had even more offensive connotations.
In her response, de la Torre also highlighted the more pressing issues that journalists are concerned with, such as corruption scandals, campaign finance irregularities, and the current state of healthcare in Colombia. She asserted that journalists are more interested in addressing these serious political matters rather than engaging in personal attacks or gossip.
Aplausos para @vanedelatorre 👏🏼
— Juan Carlos Florian (@JCFloriant) September 2, 2024
¡Así se le responde a ese loco, mitómano y corrupto que tenemos como jefe de estado! pic.twitter.com/npO5a36O4n
De la Torre challenged the president to grant interviews and engage in substantive debates if he wishes to discuss serious issues. She emphasized that journalists are prepared to ask tough questions about various aspects of governance and policy, rather than focusing on personal matters or sensationalism.
The controversy has reignited discussions about the relationship between the government and the media in Colombia, as well as the importance of maintaining a free and independent press. Many view Petro’s comments as an attempt to intimidate journalists and discourage critical reporting, raising concerns about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in the country.