In Mexico, Journalists Face Threats From Attackers — and From the System Meant to Protect Them, Too
Reporters say the federal protection program reacts slowly, provides weak safeguards and has failed to prevent killings, threats and displacement.
- Mexico's federal Protection Mechanism for Human Rights Defenders and Journalists, created in 2012 to safeguard threatened reporters, faces scrutiny for failing to prevent attacks. Critics estimate 98% of journalist homicides remain unpunished.
- After enduring over 30 violent encounters, journalist Alberto Amaro waited more than 48 hours for a federal response following a shooting in Tlaxcala, eventually turning to courts for emergency security.
- Priscila Pacheco, daughter of slain journalist Francisco Pacheco, faces unreliable security measures while working for the state-level Protection Mechanism. She reports authorities denied her personal protection and failed to maintain critical equipment like panic buttons.
- After three years displaced, Jonathan Cuevas returned to Iguala, Guerrero, but received new death threats, illustrating the Mechanism's inability to coordinate with federal prosecutors or provide effective long-term safety.
- Reporters Without Borders reports little progress on press freedom commitments, despite President Claudia Sheinbaum promising additional funding in 2025. The Inter-American Commission for Human Rights emphasizes the state must shift from reactive investigation to active prevention of attacks.
18 Articles
18 Articles
In Mexico, journalists face threats from attackers — and from the system meant to protect them, too – WTOP News
TLAXCALA DE XICOHTÉNCATL, Mexico (AP) — Three years ago, Alberto Amaro was sitting at home when he heard two gunshots. His son, playing in the garden, ran inside in terror. When Amaro reached the front gate, he saw two armed men running down his street. Amaro, 38, a journalist in the central Mexican state of...
The Toronto Star
In Mexico, journalists face threats from attackers - and from the system meant to protect them, too
TLAXCALA DE XICOHTÉNCATL, Mexico (AP) — Three years ago, Alberto Amaro was sitting at home when he heard two gunshots. His son, playing in the garden, ran inside in terror. When Amaro reached the front gate, he saw two armed…
Dayton Daily News
In Mexico, journalists face threats from attackers — and from the system meant to protect them, too
TLAXCALA DE XICOHTÉNCATL, Mexico (AP) — Three years ago, Alberto Amaro was sitting at home when he heard two gunshots. His son, playing in the garden, ran inside in terror. When Amaro reached the front gate, he saw two armed men running down his street.
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