Jorge Carrasco, a reporter investigating the 2012 murder of his colleague Regina Martínez, received information about a plan to attack him. The plan apparently involves Veracruz government agents.
When Regina Martínez, a correspondent for the Proceso magazine in Xalapa, was killed in April 2012, Jorge Carrasco was chosen as the Proceso journalist who would follow the investigations. Carrasco monitored progress by the Attorney General of Veracruz and the Attorney General of the Republic. He also collected evidence that strengthened the link between Martínez’s murder and her work as a journalist.
No one knows better than Carrasco the limitations in the investigation that was recently closed with the sentencing of Jorge Hernández Silva and the casual way evidence was handled. The contribution of Carrasco and his work have been integral to the call for justice, because he has witnessed the cycle of impunity in the case of Martínez.
Between 11 and 16 April 2013, Carrasco received information about a plan to attack him. The plan apparently involves Veracruz government agents. The National Human Rights Commission, as well as the Journalists Protection Mechanism were notified and have offered protection for Carrasco.
The journalist told ARTICLE 19 that he is taking the necessary precautions to protect himself and his family. At the same time he has reiterated his commitment to seek justice for Martínez.
ARTICLE 19 has expressed its support for Carrasco and the rest of the team at Proceso. Now, more than ever the organisation demands justice and vindication in the memory of Martínez.
ARTICLE 19 calls on the Journalists Protection Mechanism to take the information about the alleged plot against Carrasco seriously and for the Special Prosecutor for Crimes against Free Expression to investigate the allegations quickly.
The organisation also called on the Veracruz state government of Javier Duarte to carry out investigations and guarantee the safety of journalists and human rights defenders who continue to research the Martínez case.
(Please note this is an abridged translation.)
