April 16, 2021- Alondra Santiago, a journalist and political commentator for Café con JJ, faced a barrage of online hate after her comments on President-elect Guillermo Lasso’s first public speech on April 14. The journalist criticized the last part of the speech where Guillermo Lasso implied that he and his wife would be parents of pregnant adolescents. Referencing the ongoing debate to decriminalize abortion in Ecuador, Alondra commented, “We don’t need them to be our parents. We need to be able to decide...They are not pregnant adolescents, they are raped girls and adolescents.” Following her statement, Alondra was targeted by xenophobia and insults. This incident is not the first time Alondra has faced a smear campaign for her views and political commentary. CFWIJ condemns the online trolling against Alondra Santiago and commends her integrity.

Alondra has endured similar animosity in the past. This toxic trend of hateful and xenophobic attacks is distressing for the journalist. She has often faced this kind of unwelcoming online experience. Earlier on March 25, 2021, when Alondra thanked Ecuador for all the opportunities that helped her fulfill her dreams in the country, online trolls replied with cruel and unwelcoming messages. Alondra shared, “I say thank you Ecuador and I receive messages with irrational and disproportionate hatred.”

On January 20, 2021, Alondra received several hurtful comments encouraging her to leave the country because of her strong stance to support the decriminalization of abortion. Several online trolls suggested she return to Cuba and share her opinions there. While speaking to Fundamedios, the journalist, who has been in Ecuador for 16 years now, shared, “I did my studies in this country, and I do journalism in Ecuador. So far, I have carried it in an impartial manner, my comments are based on what I see and not on fanaticism”.  Alondra emphasized how freedom of expression should not be limited to where someone is born.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the persistent online attacks against Alondra Santiago. We commend Alondra for persevering and continuing her work as a journalist. No woman journalist should be subjected to such toxic harassment and hate. We once again ask social media sites to take action to end the malice and dangerous threats shared across their platforms.