Mexico
The World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) for 2023 ranks Mexico at 128 out of 180 countries, marking a minor decline from 2022’s report when it held the 127 position. These numbers are not mere statistics, but a stark reminder that press freedom in Mexico has shown no signs of improvement and remains at risk.
The WPFI, an annual report published by the NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF), evaluates and ranks countries based on their level of press freedom. Mexico has granted a reputation as one of the most dangerous places for journalists worldwide, with threats and violence continually targeting those who dare to speak the truth.
Mexican journalists are attacked every 13 hours, as reported by ARTICLE 19, a global organization advocating for and defending freedom of expression, in its annual report on violence against the press in Mexico. These aggressions, whether through online threats, intimidation, or even murder, cast a dark shadow over journalism and human rights violations in the country.
Mexico is the most deadly country for journalists in the Americas. According to the Freedom in the World report, at least 15 journalists lost their lives in the previous year, while the WPFI reported 11 fatalities, and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) documented 13 cases. It is difficult to confirm whether a journalist has been killed because of their work, and the organizations use various methodologies to monitor this, thus the variance in the reports.
Censorship does not appear as lawsuits, suspension of activities, or imprisonment, but rather as direct attacks. This is why Mexico is a country with such high numbers of journalists living at constant risk of violence, or even murder.
There are several laws dealing with journalist protection, yet, their effectiveness is questionable. The Protection Mechanism for Human Rights Defenders and Journalists, for example, is a federal program that provides camera systems, panic buttons, and police protection. It also assists journalists in relocating in case of a serious threat. Yet, at least nine journalists have been killed while under the protection of this program.
According to a 2021 ARTICLE 19 report, attacks against the press surged by almost 85% during the first three years of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s term. This continuous trend raises concerns about the government’s role in press freedom.
Obrador has various ways of criticizing journalists. One is the weekly segment in the president’s morning news conferences “Quién es quién en las mentiras de esta semana” (Who’s Who in This Week’s Fake News). During it, the anchorman publicly names media outlets that have allegedly published false or misleading information critical of the government. This practice is an attempt to harass journalists and further restrict press freedom in Mexico.
In a press conference in February 2022, Obrador said he would ensure punishment rather than impunity for the murders and attacks on journalists. However, the implementation of such commitments remains questionable and yet to be seen.
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Alex Galabova is double-majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication, and Political Science and International Relations at the American University in Bulgaria. She is passionate about protecting human rights and contributing to positive change.
