Argentina: Paula Bernini Attacked During Labor Union Demonstration
Verbal insults and accusations of deception highlight ongoing challenges faced by media covering social demonstrations
Location: Argentina, Buenos Aires
Date: January 23, 2024
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom is concerned about the recent verbal attacks against journalist Paula Bernini while she was covering a labor union demonstration against President Milei in Buenos Aires. Such attacks on journalists during social demonstrations are deplorable, journalists play a vital role in a democratic society. Bernini was targeted with verbal insults and accusations of deception while carrying out her duties as a journalist. Her commitment to amplifying important testimonies rather than engaging with people aiming to attack the media is commendable and reflects the dedication of journalists like her to their profession. We call upon the labor union to call on their members to respect the press. We further call on demonstrators to refrain from interfering with the work of journalists.
On January 23, 2024 during the CGT demonstration — one of the largest labor federations in the world — TN journalist Paula Bernini was targeted with insults and verbal attacks. As she was reporting on the event, a group of people directed their aggression towards her, hurling a barrage of verbal abuse.
The attack on Bernini commenced while she was interviewing a young man about the motivations behind the demonstration.
Despite this incident, Bernini continued to fulfill her journalistic duties. She expressed her dedication to amplifying "important testimonies" rather than giving attention to people who simply aimed to attack the media covering the demonstration.
However, the verbal attacks against the journalist persisted as a woman approached Bernini, expressing the belief that the media were responsible for deceiving the public. The situation escalated further when an enraged man shouted derogatory remarks at the journalist, labeling her a "disgrace" and accusing her of being in the service of the "two-faced," implying deceitfulness.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom stands with Paula Bernini, in light of the attacks she faced while carrying out her journalistic responsibilities. We condemn these acts, recognizing them as misguided and a threat to freedom of the press. It is crucial that journalists are able to report on important social and political issues without fear. We call upon activists to respect the press.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help women career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.
