Mexican Journalists Say 'No to Silence'

http://globalvoices.org/specialcoverage/mexican-journalists-say-no-to-silence/
Date Written:  2017-09-01
Publisher:  Global Voices
Year Published:  2017
Resource Type:  Article
Cx Number:  CX21406

In Mexico powerful entities -- ranging from government officials, to law enforcement, to drug cartel leaders -- routinely and systematically intimidate journalists and media outlets to prevent them from investigating state corruption and drug-related violence. Efforts to silence media often take place in the shadows, forcing victims to choose between self-censorship, forced displacement, or risking their lives for doing their jobs.

Abstract: 
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Except:

Anabel Flores, Ricardo Monlui, Cecilio Pineda, Miroslava Breach, Javier Valdez, Salvador Adame and tens more assassinated journalists are testimony that the gravest of threats often materialize. Reporters are executed in their homes, on their way to work, frequently in broad daylight and with little consequence for the attackers. According to Article 19, 107 journalists (including Salvador Adame) have been murdered in the country since 2000. No wonder Mexico has been labelled one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.

While some journalists continue to work under these conditions, assassinations and the fear they've inspired have left a black hole of information in the country, driving some journalists to avoid covering dangerous topics and diminishing the public’s ability to obtain information on government corruption, corporate abuses, gang violence and human rights violations.

Corruption and impunity have reached every branch of Mexican government, making it difficult to distinguish between organized crime and government officials. In this scenario, it becomes unclear who should be in charge of protecting journalists and ensuring their safety.