CFWIJ condemns the killing of Honduran TV host Santi Carvajal

HONDURAS, PUERTO CORTÉS, July 6 — The Coalition For Women In Journalism is saddened and appalled by the murder of television presenter Santi Carvajal in Puerto Cortés, Honduras on July 5.

We urge the Honduran authorities to identify and punish Santi’s murderers. We are deeply concerned about the safety of our colleagues who are working in the midst of threats, as well as countering transphobic and homophobic sentiments of their offenders.

Santi was shot on the streets by unknown assailants several times in broad daylight, as she left the studio of a local television channel with her friends. She was rushed to one hospital in Puerto Cortés, but due to the severity of her injuries, was transferred to one in San Pedro Sula. Sadly, she could not survive the gunshots.Santi was one of the three other transgender killed within one week.

Santi hosted La Galaxia de Santi — a critically-acclaimed program criticizing the authorities — for a local television channel. She was a member of an LGBT+ collective and a vocal proponent of the rights of the LGBT+ community.

As a host with immense influence and popularity, she explored subjects focused on transphobic and homophobic violence in a witty manner. She was known for her critical reporting on local issues, along with significant emphasis on the rights of the LGBT+ community.

In the wake of her murder, her relatives released a video demanding justice, as her killers are yet to be put behind bars. The journalist’s friend shared that she was threatened a day before being ruthlessly killed.

Santi was part of a marginalized community that is often not allowed to find its own voice. Her murder makes the industry poorer. We urge authorities to change the reprehensible practice of ignoring such murders. Since 2001, 78 people working in the media industry have been murdered in the Central American country. It is estimated that more than 92 percent of the killings still remain unpunished and impunity prevails in the country.

Violence against media persons, particularly women and those belonging to the LGBT+ community, is the most extreme form of censorship on press freedom.

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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 female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

For more information please visit www.womeninjournalism.org.

Press Inquiries: press@womeninjournalism.org