As Mexico joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day, another three journalists were killed in the state of Veracruz on May 3. The deaths came just one week after the assassination of Regina Martinez Perez in the same state.
A new law adopted by the Mexican Congress regarding the protection of human rights defenders and journalists signifies an opportunity for Mexico's government to deliver on its promise to adequately protect journalists, which the previous mechanism failed to do. Freedom House welcomes the new law and calls upon the Mexican government to ensure that it receives proper funding and broad political support, as well as the swift passage of enabling legislation to ensure proper implementation.
Freedom House is deeply concerned by the April 28 killing of Mexican journalist, Regina Martinez Pérez, and calls for stronger mechanisms to protect journalists in Mexico.
JURIST April 13, 2012 Viviana Giacaman and Elsa Peraldí of Freedom House argue that the proposed constitutional amendment to federalize crimes against journalists in Mexico is an important and timely step, but more must still be done.
Freedom House works to improve efforts by both local activists and the Mexican government to prevent and respond to attacks to the press, and enhance the availability of emergency assistance for at-risk journalists and activists.
