By Natalia Rueda 
Throughout her career, Vicky Dávila has experienced intimidation while practicing her journalism in a country where the media has been victim to broad censorship. As the presenter of the morning newscast at Caracol Radio’s W Radio Colombia, she witnessed and spoke out against injustice, bringing attention to important issues. Yet, during the past week, she was the one under attack.
Rumors about her possible dismissal and widespread criticism about her journalistic integrity had grown to an overwhelming degree. This Monday, however, the Colombian journalist addressed her situation in a tweet that began with a thank you to her supporters who “have been [her] voice all these days”:
“Silencing a journalist is silencing democracy,” she declared.
The recent controversy first began when Semana magazine published a story based on an anonymous informant, alleging that Laura Sarabia had stolen three billion pesos from President Petro. In response, the president himself had criticized the publication and even suggested that Dávila and Semana had coordinated a media attack against his government.
In her statement, the journalist clarified that the informant in question was fully identified, and that their life and the lives of their family were at stake, hence, she would not risk revealing the source no matter the pressures behind it. Dávila also stood up to the strong criticism of government supporters, particularly the suggestion by a representative that Semana should be intervened by the prosecution so that they could find evidence of the magazine hiring false witnesses, which is an affront to press freedom.
Her his career as a journalist
Vicky Dávila’s career in media started when the then college graduate began reporting in her home of Buga, Valle de Cauca. She has since moved up the ranks, from working in institutional programs to becoming directed of morning newscast. She has interviewed politicians like the former President Alvaro Uribe and notable figures in art and media like Dayana Jaimes.
In addition, she was the first one to publish the evidence of an alleged ring of male prostitution inside the police, known as “The Ring Community.” As the case gained national attention, including from President Juan Manuel Santos, she risked her own safety by bringing the story to the public.
With her tweet, Vicky Dávila’s made it clear that censorship and intimidation of the press will not be tolerated. Over fifty journalists have been killed in recent years as a result of practicing their craft in Colombia, based on records from the International Press Institute. Dávila’s stand is sure to resonate with the media and the people of Colombia and encapsulates the importance of a free press.
and serves as a reminder that any threat to democracy must be met with resistance.