Article 19 hold a silent demonstration in Mexico City at the launch of their report “Dissenting in Silence”.
A report published today by ARTICLE 19 Mexico and Central America reveals the first year of Enrique Peña Nieto’s presidency has been the most violent year for journalists in Mexico since 2007. 4 journalists were killed in the country in 2013 and cases of non-fatal attacks against journalists increased by 59% compared with the previous twelve months.
330 separate cases of violence against journalists were recorded last year; a number that represents more than a quarter of all violence in the period 2007 – 2013. Worryingly, the report finds that three in five journalists identified as victims of violence were assaulted by public officials.
“While the number of journalists killed in Mexico fell in 2013, reports of violence against journalist increased sharply. The country remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to practice journalism. Measures introduced by the government to tackle the problem have been ineffective and urgent reforms are needed to improve the security situation and to bring those responsible for violence to justice” said Thomas Hughes, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19.
2013 saw a significant increase in the number and scale of public protests across Mexico in 2013. As a result 64 recorded cases of violence against journalists took place while a journalist was reporting on public protests in Mexico City during October 2013.
The report “Dissenting in Silence”was launched at an event following a silent procession through Mexico City to demonstrate against growing violence against journalists. Writer and author Juan Villoro opened the event, which featured an address by the human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson and a screening of a specially commissioned documentary with the campaigning journalist Lydia Cacho.
ARTICLE 19 is urging the Mexican government to reform the state system designed to protect journalists, including providing more resources to ensure that cases of violence against journalists are investigated promptly and effectively.