### AMLO Asserts There Were No Journalist Deaths During His Government; Article 19 Reports 47 Cases
On September 5, 2024, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) claimed during a press conference that no significant journalist or political assassinations had occurred during his government, which was set to end in 25 days. His remarks were intended to highlight a supposed reduction in violence under his administration.
Speaking from the Treasury Room of the National Palace, the Mexican President celebrated what he considered to be a profound change, citing decreased violence. “We have not had any journalist killings, beyond what circumstances have caused. Knock on wood because I have 20, 25 days left,” AMLO stated. He also mentioned the absence of high-profile political assassinations similar to those of Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta and Juan Jesús Posadas Ocampo, attributing this to the responsible behavior of the opposition and the success of new policies aimed at reducing corruption and privilege.
However, data from Article 19, an international non-governmental organization, tells a different story. According to the group, 47 journalists have been assassinated in Mexico during AMLO’s administration, matching the number of journalist deaths during Enrique Peña Nieto’s term. The latest journalist murder recorded by Article 19 was Alejandro Martínez Noguez, known as “El hijo del Llanero Solititito,” who was killed on August 4, 2024, in Celaya, Guanajuato.
Adding to the contradictions, on September 5, 2024, the body of journalist Enrique Hernández Avilez was found in a clandestine grave in Taxco de Alarcón, Guerrero. Hernández Avilez, who went missing on June 20, 2024, had been detained by municipal transit police before his disappearance. Following a comprehensive search involving state authorities and the National Guard, his body was discovered, leading to the arrest of 49 municipal security staff and freeing a kidnapped individual.
These findings challenge AMLO’s assertions about the safety of journalists during his tenure, highlighting the ongoing risks for media personnel in Mexico.
### Secondary Article: Rising Concerns Over Safety of Journalists in Mexico
Mexico continues to grapple with significant threats to journalists, even as leaders tout improvements in security. Recent events have intensified concerns. For instance, the disappearance and murder of Enrique Hernández Avilez underscores the perils faced by journalists in Guerrero and other states. His body was found after an extensive search operation, bringing attention to the dangers encountered by media professionals in their line of duty.
The international NGO Article 19 has documented numerous cases where journalists have been targeted, often for their investigative work. According to their records, violence against the press persists despite assurances from political leaders. As Mexico navigates these challenges, stakeholders are calling for more robust protections for journalists to ensure freedom of the press and safety for those who report on critical issues.
In light of these ongoing threats, it is evident that more work is needed to create a secure environment for journalists in Mexico, reflective of democratic principles that value and protect freedom of speech.