"Novedades" newspaper editor Marco Antonio López Ortiz was abducted by a group of unidentified individuals and his whereabouts are unknown.
(ARTICLE 19/ CENCOS/IFEX) – 11 June 2011 – At approximately 11:30 p.m. on 7 June 2011, Marco Antonio López Ortiz, the news editor for the “Novedades” newspaper in the state of Guerrero, was abducted by unidentified individuals in the city of Acapulco. His whereabouts are unknown. The editor’s relatives have filed a report regarding his disappearance with the Guerrero Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Guerrero has become one of the most dangerous states for the media in Mexico. In 2009, two journalists were assassinated in the state, while in 2010 another three were killed and the offices of the “El Sur” newspaper were attacked. “El Sur” staff members continue to be threatened while none these cases have been resolved in any way.
ARTICLE 19 and CENCOS call on the state government and the State Human Rights Commission to investigate López Ortiz’s disappearance and locate the journalist. The organisations also urge the authorities to consider a possible link between the reporter’s disappearance and his work.
In addition, ARTICLE 19 and CENCOS call on the authorities to provide the journalist’s colleagues and family members with protection.
(Please note this is an abridged translation.)
