El Ciudadano
Original article: Caso Lincolao: FEUACh rechaza tratamiento mediático “sensacionalista y abusivo” y agenda represiva desde medios y gobierno
The Federation of Students of the Universidad Austral de Chile (FEUACh) firmly expressed its rejection of the «sensationalist and abusive» media treatment and the repressive agenda promoted by media outlets and the government of José Kast regarding the arrest of three students involved in the incident with Science Minister Ximena Lincolao in Valdivia.
The president of FEUACh, Valentina Jara, stated that coverage of the Lincolao case transcends informative freedom and aims to establish a narrative in line with a «repressive agenda against social expressions.» She urged the university to resist intimidation and «to uphold the value of autonomy.»
Following the events of April 8, a number of right-leaning or conservative media outlets published headlines that went beyond merely informing about the arrests of students for their alleged involvement in the public shaming and assault on the Secretary of State, opting instead to identify those involved and attribute actions to them in a punitive tone, which appeared to preempt the judicial process.
For instance, headlines like «Detained identified…», «A well-known former leader fell…», «Three aggressors arrested…» or «One threw water while another assaulted…» published by outlets such as Emol, BioBio, El Dínamo, La Cuarta, La Hora, and T13, not only relayed information about the arrests but also presumed the students’ guilt without acknowledging the distinction between an ongoing accusation and a proven fact.
Furthermore, these media outlets opted to expose the detained individuals based on their university identities or their backgrounds as leaders.
FEUACh President: «There’s an Intention to Criminalize the Student Movement»
In light of these events, FEUACh President Valentina Jara noted that the Federation strongly rejects the «sensationalist and abusive» media treatment pushed by the government and certain media channels.
In a video shared on FEUACh Valdivia’s social media, Jara emphasized that they expect all involved institutions to ensure, without exception, «full respect for due process, safeguarding its objectivity and impartiality, without yielding to media or executive pressures.»
The leader and Law student reminded that the Universidad Austral de Chile is an autonomous institution, and on behalf of the Federation, they condemn all disparaging remarks «that have sought to stigmatize our community,» urging the university and its authorities to «not succumb to intimidation» and instead, «protect the value of autonomy that we have worked hard to regain and that the entire university community strives to uphold.»
She indicated that they continue to gather details regarding «harassment and threats faced by fellow students» to bring them to justice.
In the recording, Jara urged members of the university community to stay informed and actively participate in the assemblies being organized.
From FEUACh Valdivia, it was stated that «facing attempts at criminalization and stigmatization, we respond with unity, information, and active participation.»
«Let’s stay alert, organized, and present in every collective decision-making space,» they added.
La entrada Lincolao Case: FEUACh Condemns «Sensationalist and Abusive» Media Coverage and Repressive Agenda from Government and Media se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.
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