Journalist killings threaten Mexican democracy

Subject

Constraints on press freedom.

Significance

According to a report released by press rights organisation Article 19 on March 17, 397 journalists were attacked in Mexico in 2015 (more than 20% up on 2014). While seven were murdered in 2015, four have already been killed so far this year. In most cases, state authorities have blamed organised crime. However, suspicion of state complicity in journalist attacks is rife, and very few perpetrators are brought to justice.

Impacts

• Despite an overall decline in homicides during the Pena Nieto administration, the killing of journalists shows no sign of abating.
• Duarte's impeachment does not indicate any reversal of official policy towards the media.
• The discrediting of the print media may hasten an increase in online media.