It is undeniable that Mexicans have lost the capacity for astonishment. With each passing day, the lack of empathy and the poor response to the wave of violence in our country become more evident.
For some, it is even normal to watch television or read the newspaper and find death after death; so, the black ink is now red.
All this bloodshed and the pain of the Mexican people have become customary due to the lack of rule of law and the great impunity that exists, even when the current president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador assures that this is not the case.
In Mexico, violence against journalists has reached alarming levels; since this government began in 2018approximately 47 journalists have been deprived of their lives in a malicious manner, while others 4 journalists have disappeared and, to this day, their whereabouts remain unknown.
This phenomenon in Mexico arises due to the unstoppable impunity, as well as the ineffectiveness of the institutions that administer justice and security, generating, in turn, an atmosphere in which the rule of law does not exist.
Thus, Mexico finds itself in one of its most violent moments in history and, speaking of journalists, an atmosphere of censorship caused by terror has been fostered.
The increase in violence against journalists during the current government’s six-year term is undeniable, and I affirm this knowing that, since the year 2000163 journalists have been deliberately deprived of their lives in Mexico, with approximately 47 of these cases have occurred since the beginning of the current administration.
There is even the statistical data that violence against the press has increased by 62% compared to the six-year term of the former president Enrique Pena Nietoas they have been registered 3,409 attacks against the press, that is, approximately one attack every 14 hours. These attacks I mention include harassment, threats, censorship, physical harm, kidnapping and retaliation, among other things, some of these behaviors even carried out directly from the morning calls.
First, we must mention, as an example, the attack suffered Ciro Gomez Leyva in December 2022That day, while Ciro He was returning home when hitmen approached him and fired their firearms in an attempt to kill him. Fortunately, Ciro He survived; however, it cannot be overlooked that this incident perfectly illustrates the great risks that the press and journalists face on a daily basis, even for those of high rank.
After all, Ciro Gomez Leyva He is a well-known and highly respected journalist in the country, as he has carried out various investigations that have revealed the corruption that exists in our country within the public service, which has unfortunately put him in the spotlight of individuals and groups with dark interests who feel vulnerable when the truth comes to light. The attack he suffered CiroMy friend not only highlighted his great bravery, but also the risk that people who share his noble work now face.
Another tragic and absurd case is the murder of Alejandro Martinez Noguez in Celaya, Guanajuato. The August 4, 2024, Martinez Nogueza journalist who had worked for various media outlets, was killed by multiple gunshots while he was inside a vehicle belonging to the Celaya Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC) and in the company of members of the same, who were there to “protect” and “escort” him. This case demonstrates the ineffectiveness and, in many cases, the complicity of the security forces in protecting journalists.
However, censorship and violence against the press and the journalistic field are not limited only to homicides and attempted homicides, but also include other types of violence that are even provoked and carried out directly by the highest echelons of power.
The strong campaign of discredit and verbal attacks that he has suffered is considered illustrative, but not limiting. Carlos Loret de Molaanother of the most recognized journalists in our country; who, on several occasions, has been the object of harassment and discrediting directly by the president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador during their “morning”. It is worth noting that the latter has crossed out Loret de Mola of “mercenary”, “neoliberal” and “liar”.
All of these cases serve as a message to other journalists and the press about the possible repercussions that may exist in the free exercise of their profession, especially when their investigations deal with the obvious failures of the current government. After all, the year 2022 It has been the deadliest for journalists in recent decades.
What is left for us? What are we missing? What is needed for Mexico to wake up? Why is there no demand for rigorous and effective policies to be implemented? Why are institutions evidently incapable and far from their objective? Where is the authority? Where is the rule of law?
Effective action is urgent and necessary. We need to raise awareness, obtain the truth, respect the human rights of the victims, protect the Mexican people and apply the law in a coherent and unrestricted manner; all this only so that our society can recover its capacity for wonder and demand justice.
Finally, the rule of law and freedom of the press, as a fundamental right, are pillars for the existence of a true democracy and their defense is a shared responsibility that cannot be ignored, because censorship encourages demagogy, and history has shown us that demagogy translates into dictatorship.
