(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ is expressing its growing concern for the safety of Jesús Barraza, editor of the weekly magazine “Pulso” in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora. **Updates IFEX alerts of 10 June, 14 and 13 May 1999** As stated in a 13 May 1999 CPJ letter to the President of Mexico Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de […]
(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ is expressing its growing concern for the safety of Jesús
Barraza, editor of the weekly magazine “Pulso” in San Luis Río Colorado,
Sonora.
**Updates IFEX alerts of 10 June, 14 and 13 May 1999**
As stated in a 13 May 1999 CPJ letter to the President of Mexico Ernesto
Zedillo Ponce de Leon, Barraza was threatened after publishing stories on
drug traffickers (see IFEX alerts). After the letter was sent, a municipal
police officer was assigned to provide security, but on 5 June, Federal
Judicial Police (PJF) angered by Barraza’s coverage, attacked his bodyguard
who subsequently withdrew and refused to provide protection.
The attack against Barraza’s bodyguard, Raúl Ramos, by members of the PJF
took place at 7:10 p.m. on 5 June, outside “Pulso”‘s offices. Barraza, who
was leaving the building at the time of the attack, observed two men and a
woman beat his bodyguard and confiscate his handgun and assault rifle. Ramos
was able to escape and flee into the building and the PJF members tried to
follow in an attempt to detain and possibly kidnap Barraza. When they heard
over their radios that the municipal police were on their way to the scene
they fled.
As the PJF police left, two “Pulso” reporters followed them. The reporters
noted that the PJF’s vehicle bore California license plates, and later
determined that the car they were driving had been reported stolen. The
attackers drove towards the PJF headquarters and eventually sought refuge
within the building. The week before the attack, Barraza published a story
alleging links between the PJF and local drug traffickers, and calling for
an investigation.
Given the violence against journalists in this region – CPJ recalls the 1997
murder of Barraza’s former editor Benjamín Flores González – CPJ fears that
Barraza’s life is in imminent danger. Members of the Federal Judicial Police
are clearly responsible for the latest attack; the municipal police in San
Luis Río Colorado have withdrawn protection; and the State Judicial Police
(PJE)
commander has refused to provide security.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
requesting
that his office personally ensure his safety
Constitution
the federal government is responsible for the protection of freedom of
expression
his
family, to conduct a complete investigation into this latest attack against
the journalist, and to see to it that the perpetrators are punished
accordingly
Appeals To
Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon
President of Mexico
Los Pinos
Mexico City, Mexico
Fax: +52 5 395 6790
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
