The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has issued an alert calling on Mexico’s government to safeguard Alberto Amaro Jordán, a Mexican journalist facing death threats arising from his work. Jordán, the founder and editor of La Prensa de Tlaxcala, has been enrolled in a government protection mechanism after facing numerous life-threatening attempts and threats. Amnesty International listed Jordán as an at-risk journalist in April, prompting the public to take action.
In its alert, CPJ stressed that Mexican authorities “must immediately investigate death threats” directed at Jordán, his family, and his bodyguards, as well as “take steps to guarantee his safety.” The journalist has faced harassment, with unknown individuals driving by his home and threatening his bodyguards and family. Jordán attributes these threats to his reporting trip addressing forced disappearances near Ocotlán.
Although Jordán is currently under the protection of the federal Mechanism for Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists, the journalist has expressed his concerns regarding the limited effectiveness of the program to Amnesty International. The journalist’s bodyguards were withdrawn after his risk status has reportedly been downgraded in July 2023. Furthermore, the CPJ revealed that eight journalists have been killed while under the mechanism’s protection.
Over the years, Jordán has faced numerous attempts on his life, likely related to his critical reportage. For instance, back in 2021, he was involved in an incident where a mayor east of Mexico City attempted to force him off the road following Jordán’s coverage of alleged corruption scenarios.
CPJ emphasized in its remark that the threats Jordán is continuing to receive are indicative of the violence rampant against the Mexico press. They urged the Mexico authorities to strengthen safety measures before the case transforms into another statistic in Mexico already somber track record.
According to a study by Reporters Without Borders, Mexico is “one of the world’s most dangerous and deadly countries for journalists”. As recently as March, Mexican journalist Jamie Barrera was found alive after being abducted, and a vigil was held in April, following the murder of another journalist, Roberto Figueroa.
Amnesty International’s March research report, “Mexico: Protect the Press,” focused on the dire situation for journalists and threats to freedom of speech and press in Mexico. The report emphasizes the need to reinforce the aforementioned protection mechanism and points out to the significant flaws in the Mechanism. It further highlights the precarious state of media professionals in the country, describing Mexico as one of the deadliest places for journalists worldwide.