The Board notes that violence against journalists and impunity for those who commit crimes against the media remain widespread throughout Mexico, particularly in states where the authorities are either unable to bring perpetrators to justice, or are suspected of being complicit in attacks.

The Board of WAN-IFRA calls for state governments to do more to guarantee the safety of media professionals in their respective territories and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Board of WAN-IFRA notes with particular concern recent cases including:

-       On 14th May 14th, journalist Manuel Santiago Torres González was shot dead in Veracruz.

-       In recent months, the Vanguardia newspaper has been victim of a campaign of intimidation - its website was attacked, special police forces raided the private address of its publisher, a former local official sued the newspaper, and unknown men followed one of its reporters.

-       On 25th April, journalist Francisco Pacheco Beltrán was shot in Taxco Guerrero. 

-       On 22nd February, journalist and media executive Moisés Dagdug Lutzow was killed in Villermosa, Tabasco State.

-       On 8th February, journalist Anabel Flores Salazar, a reporter for El Sol de Orizaba, was abducted in the state of Veracruz. Her body was found the next day in the state of Puebla.

Furthermore, the Board of WAN-IFRA calls on the Federal Government to set the example on a national level by doing more to tackle crimes against journalists and to lead effective investigations to punish the perpetrators as a means of putting an end to the climate of impunity that fuels the violence. In recent years, following recommendations by the United Nations, the Organisation of American States and others, the Mexican government has established institutions including a Protection Mechanism for Journalists as well as a Special Prosecutor for Crimes Against Freedom of Expression. However, they have done little to end the impunity enjoyed by those who attack journalists. The Board reminds the Mexican government of their obligation to ensure these institutions are effective.