Mexican Journalists Demand Action from President Sheinbaum Amidst Rising Violence

Journalists, activists, and media organizations have issued a strong public demand for President Claudia Sheinbaum to confront the severe crisis of violence targeting communicators in Mexico. The appeal comes as at least seven journalists have been murdered this year, underscoring Mexico's status as one of the world's most perilous countries for practicing journalism.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF), in collaboration with more than 40 local media outlets, published an open letter urging Sheinbaum's administration to take decisive action. The document poignantly asks, "How many more of us will have to die for the state to act?" It emphasizes that "Mexico cannot get used to counting its murdered journalists," highlighting the pervasive impunity surrounding these crimes, which are largely attributed to organized crime groups.

The signatories are calling for a comprehensive national security plan that integrates both federal and local authorities to ensure the protection of journalists. RSF reports that 17 communicators have been killed since Sheinbaum assumed office in October 2024, adding to the grim toll of over 180 reported crimes against journalists since 2000, according to NGO Article 19. Recent incidents include two journalists murdered each month in June and July, and a shooting attack in Veracruz from which two reporters narrowly escaped unharmed.

This latest outcry follows previous appeals to the Sheinbaum administration, which has previously been criticized for discrediting press scrutiny. Notably, the presidency recently circulated a list of media and journalists accused of disseminating unfavorable information, leading to reported online aggressions against those named. While Sheinbaum initially downplayed these accusations, she has since pledged to cease the creation of such lists.