"Colombia’s Constitutional Court has ruled in favor of a journalist who was blocked on Facebook and X by a member of Congress, citing violations of the journalist’s rights to freedom of expression, access to public information, and political participation.
The congresswoman defended her decision to block the journalist, arguing he used the platforms to engage in gender-based violence against her.
The high court said lawmakers’ social media profiles serve as public forums for expression, access to information, debate, and civic engagement. As such, access to them must be open and equal. Restricting access, the court said, can violate fundamental rights.
At the same time, the journalist must remove content identified as constituting violence against women in politics from both his personal accounts and those of his media outlet. He must also refrain from making future posts that infringe on the congresswoman’s rights to live free from political and online violence, to human dignity, and to personal integrity. Lastly, he is required to complete a course or training session—whether formal or self-guided—on gender equality, violence against women, or women's leadership and participation in public and decision-making spaces."
