Authorized Statements Regarding the Women's Advocate's Letter to a Journalist - ACLU of Puerto Rico

Authorized Statements from the Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Puerto Rico, Fermín Arraiza Navas, regarding the letter from the Women's Advocate directed to a journalist:

"The letter sent by the Women's Advocate, Astrid Piñeiro Vázquez, addressed to a photojournalist from a digital news outlet in Puerto Rico, lacks legal basis, constitutes a mechanism of intimidation, and threatens the basic protections that both she and the Governor, Jenniffer González Colón, swore to uphold. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects our most essential freedoms, including freedom of expression and of the press. Our Constitution of Puerto Rico also protects these rights.

Individuals who practice the profession of journalism are within their legitimate right to ask questions and challenge elected public officials, as well as agency or office heads, about the actions and decisions they take or fail to take, and that have an effect on the public. When exercising that right, they do so precisely on behalf or in representation of the public who hears and observes the responses. When analyzing and reflecting on the answers, the public not only pays attention to the verbal language, but also to the manner and way in which that message is expressed.

In carrying out their trade, journalists perform a legitimate oversight function, focused on the search for truth and accountability. The Women's Advocate and the Office she directs are not exempt from that accountability tied to the public office she holds and the administration of public funds, and much less is the person holding the position of governor exempt.