Colombian journalist Lina Castillo wins legal battle against Hollman Morris

A Colombian court has ratified the preclusion of the criminal investigation against journalist Lina Castillo, who in 2019 publicly accused former Bogotá councilman and ex-RTVC director Hollman Morris of sexual and workplace harassment. The decision, issued by the 55th Penal Circuit Court of Bogotá, upheld a July 2026 first-instance ruling that Castillo's statements were protected under freedom of expression and did not constitute slander. Source: El Colombiano Source: Infobae

The case

Castillo worked in Morris's team at the Bogotá City Council when she alleged he made comments about her body and skin color, asked her to wear skirts to the office, and touched her legs during a work lunch. Source: La Silla Vacía Morris responded by filing a criminal complaint for slander and defamation, leading to charges against Castillo in 2023. Source: Infobae

Key developments

• Gender perspective shift: In March 2026, Attorney General Luz Adriana Camargo transferred the case to prosecutor Marcela Abadía, ordering it to be analyzed with a gender-based violence focus, recognizing the power imbalance between Morris and Castillo. Source: Infobae Source: El Colombiano
• Public outcry: Over 100 journalists and lawyers signed a letter demanding a fair process, arguing the prosecution was targeting women who denounce their aggressors. Source: La Silla Vacía
• Remaining issues: The preclusion covers the sexual harassment allegations and threats; however, a separate episode regarding Castillo's claim that a vehicle from Morris's security detail attempted to run her over remains under judicial review. Source: El Colombiano A tutela (constitutional complaint) filed by Castillo is also pending before the Constitutional Court. Source: Infobae