Why Don't Threatened Mexican Journalists Seek Government Protection? Whitney Eulich - The Christian Science Monitor
go to original August 3, 2015

After the shooting death of photojournalist Ruben Espinosa, CNN's Rafael Romo examines the dangers journalists face in Mexico. (CNN)

Under threat, Mexican photojournalist Ruben Espinosa fled the state of Veracruz, where he worked. His murder last week underscores not only the dangers journalists face in Mexico, but how little faith reporters here have in promises of government protection.

Mr. Espinosa, who worked for respected news outlets like the investigative magazine Proceso, fled in June after being harassed and telling others his home was under surveillance. He relocated to Mexico City, considered safe by many reporters and human rights defenders threatened in Mexico.

Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. More than 50 have been murdered or disappeared since 2011, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. And it ranks 148th out of 180 countries in the most recent World Press Freedom Index, below nations like Venezuela and Myanmar.

In 2012, Mexico created a program within the ministry of the interior to provide protection for journalists and human rights defenders under threat. But continuing violence, impunity, and a widespread belief that government officials are linked to criminal groups have made some reporters reluctant to initiate the protection measures.

“There’s a lack of confidence in what the government can do,” says Michael W. Chamberlin, a human rights expert at the Friar Juan de Larios Human Rights Center who was appointed to the civil council for the government’s protection program when it launched in 2012. He confirmed Espinosa did not request support from the government’s program at the state or federal level.

...The government “at the highest levels” must take a stand, says Carlos Lauria, the Americas program coordinator for The Committee to Protect Journalists.

Read the rest at The Christian Science Monitor

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