Journalist Román Cuesta Attacked Amid Rising Far-Right Violence

Román Cuesta, a researcher for Pablo Iglesias' newspaper, known for his efforts to expose anonymous far-right profiles on social media, has reportedly been assaulted outside his residence by three assailants. In a shocking twist, the perpetrators shared a video of the attack themselves, thereby facilitating police investigations. Following the incident, Cuesta spoke out on the morning show 'Mañaneros' where he expressed worry primarily for the safety of his wife during the assault. Contrary to claims made by his attackers, Cuesta clarified that he was not wielding a knife, but rather his house keys. According to reports, the far-right squad targeting Cuesta has a history of such violence against journalists who challenge their narratives. Iglesias, sharing footage of the incident, denounced the attacks and called for immediate apprehension of those responsible, exclaiming, 'Enough of far-right violence against leftist journalism.' In his appearance on Ruiz's program, Cuesta recounted multiple assaults: the recorded attack where one man attempted to punch him while another sprayed him with pepper spray, and another incident that occurred upon his exit from the hospital after receiving treatment for his injuries. When asked if he feared this would be the end of the harassment, Cuesta remarked that he anticipated further incidents. 'All of us who debunk the lies and falsehoods of this hate strategy implemented by Vox automatically become targets,' Cuesta stated emphatically. Ruiz's expression shifted as Cuesta highlighted the trajectory from online harassment to physical threats against those challenging far-right outspoken figures. Cuesta articulated a sense of resolve, stating that while he does not fear for his work, he is deeply concerned for his family amidst the escalating hostility. 'If I were afraid, I wouldn’t dedicate myself to this profession, especially in exposing hate traffickers,' he declared. The alarming trend of violence against journalists, particularly those criticizing far-right ideologies, raises serious concerns over freedom of the press and safety for those who dare to speak out. As Cuesta continues to face threats for his journalistic endeavors, the community must rally in solidarity to uphold the rights of journalists everywhere. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2