**Journalists in Mexico Face Attacks Every 14 Hours Under AMLO’s Administration**
From December 1, 2018, to March 31, 2024, during the term of the Morena party-led administration, a staggering total of 3,408 attacks against journalists were recorded in Mexico. This equates to an alarming rate of one attack every 14 hours, as reported by the civil organization Article 19.
As the administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) nears its conclusion with just a month remaining, 47 journalists have been brutally murdered, and four others remain missing within this period. Noteworthy are the murders of photojournalist Margarito Martínez Esquivel and journalist Lourdes Maldonado López, who were cowardly killed outside their homes on January 17 and 23, 2022, respectively, in Tijuana, Baja California.
Statistics from Article 19 reveal that the violence against reporters in the current administration mirrors that of former President Enrique Peña Nieto’s tenure, which also saw 47 journalist murders, as well as significant violence during Felipe Calderón Hinojosa’s administration.
Throughout AMLO’s term, the Mexican state has consistently emerged as the primary aggressor against the press. Public officials have been responsible for 1,077 attacks, followed by civil security forces with 437 and the armed forces (including the National Guard, Army, and Navy) with 45. Additionally, 673 attacks have come from private individuals, 280 from organized crime groups, 148 from political parties, and 748 incidents lacked sufficient details to determine the perpetrator.
On their social media, Article 19 emphasized the need for constructive and evidence-based dialogue with the incoming government. “We can’t endure another six years without acknowledging the painful legacy of violence and impunity,” the organization stated.
Over the past 24 years, Mexico has seen the murder of 167 journalists and the disappearance of 37, highlighting the dire situation for press freedom in the country.
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**More News on Journalistic Attacks in Mexico**
**Rights Groups Urge Protection for Journalists Amid Rising Violence**
Campaigns continue to rise as human rights organizations call for stronger protective measures for journalists in Mexico. The International Press Institute (IPI) reported that the country remains one of the deadliest places for journalism globally. The organization has documented multiple cases where journalists face not only physical threats but also psychological harassment.
**UN Calls for Action**
The United Nations has also expressed grave concerns about the safety of journalists in Mexico. UNESCO reported that impunity remains a significant issue, with many attacks going unpunished, fostering an environment of fear that stifles free expression.
**Government Responses and Criticism**
While the Mexican government has taken steps to address the issue, including launching protection mechanisms for journalists, critics argue these measures are inadequate. Analysis from Freedom House indicates that existing protective programs often lack adequate funding and fail to provide immediate and effective security for threatened journalists.
**Local and Global Repercussions**
The decline in press freedom not only impacts local news coverage but also undermines global media integrity. Analysts from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) emphasize that the international community must hold the Mexican government accountable for these human rights violations and push for more stringent actions to ensure that journalists can work without fear of violence.
**Conclusion**
As Mexico approaches a new administrative term, there is a renewed call for systemic changes to protect freedom of the press and address the longstanding issues of violence and impunity that plague the nation’s media landscape.