Mexican President Andres Manuel Obrador defended his decision to reveal a New York Times (NYT) reporter’s phone number to the public during a press briefing last week. Obrador stated that the privacy protection laws governing personal data and information do not apply to him.
This action was taken in response to the reporter’s report accusing Obrador of taking campaign donations from the Sinaloa drug cartel in 2006. The reporter had reached out to Obrador for a comment on the story before its publication, and in response, Obrador publicly displayed the letter, including the reporter’s phone number, at a press briefing.
Obrador justified his actions, claiming it was an effort to preserve the dignity of the presidency. He stated that he serves the Mexican nation and its people who deserve respect. He also accused journalists of not being self-reflective about the media’s shortcomings and of receiving funds from vested interest groups. Moreover, he threatened to expose another journalist’s phone number if they sullied the dignity of the president.
The president drew a comparison between the situation in Mexico and the United States, citing Julian Assange’s ongoing extradition case, and accused the NYT of releasing classified national security information.
The NYT responded to Obrador, calling it a troubling and unacceptable tactic by a world leader at a time when threats against journalists are increasing. They also expressed unwavering support for their journalists and the results of their investigations.
Human rights advocates report that violence against journalists has increased by 85% under Obrador compared to his predecessor. Mexico currently ranks 128th on the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, a global ranking of the level of press freedom across 180 countries and territories.
For more information, visit the original article posted on jurist.org.