Journalist denied protection in Oaxaca despite death threats

The Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists has denied protection to Rey David Jiménez García, director of the digital media outlet Salina Cruz Sin Censura, in Oaxaca, according to the organization Artículo 19.

This decision comes despite Jiménez García receiving two separate phone calls containing death threats. The threats were reportedly made after he published information concerning alleged irregularities by the Salina Cruz municipal government. On August 9, 2026, Jiménez García published a video denouncing claims that the municipal government attempted to take credit for federally funded public works.

Later that same afternoon, while with his mother, the journalist received a threatening call. The caller reportedly said, "son of your fucking mother, take down the publications you made against the municipal president or your fucking mother will be taken care of." He immediately reported the incident to the protection mechanism and the Oaxaca Human Rights Ombudsman's Office.

Artículo 19 stated that the threats are not isolated, citing a history of harassment, threats, and aggression against Jiménez García related to his journalistic work. This includes a previous arrest and alleged physical assault by municipal police in June 2026, an intrusion into his home where his mother was reportedly assaulted, and his brother briefly detained. He has also reported prior threats and legal actions stemming from his reporting on local authorities in Salina Cruz.