Colombian President Calls Female Journalists 'Dolls Of The Mafia'

The "dolls" comment was, however, the Colombian leader's first attack on journalists based on their gender.

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro is facing criticism from press freedom groups after some comments made about female reporters, calling them "dolls of the mafia" in one of the most dangerous countries for journalists in South America.

Without a hint of irony, Petro made the statement at the August 30 inauguration of Colombia's new human rights ombud Iris Marin -- the first woman to hold the job.

Petro, the South American country's first-ever leftist president, has often bristled at criticism from the media, which he has accused of conspiring with armed groups, business tycoons or other powerful figures.