(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is disturbed by the recent attack on Víctor Manuel Ulín Hernández, a journalist with the local daily “La Verdad del Sureste”, published in Tabasco state. Ulín Hernández was kidnapped by two unidentified persons and brutally beaten before being released by his attackers a few hours later. “We welcome the opening of an […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is disturbed by the recent attack on Víctor Manuel Ulín Hernández, a journalist with the local daily “La Verdad del Sureste”, published in Tabasco state. Ulín Hernández was kidnapped by two unidentified persons and brutally beaten before being released by his attackers a few hours later.
“We welcome the opening of an inquiry into this attack and ask to be kept informed of developments in the case. Since the journalist has implicated Tabasco state officials, it is all the more important that the authorities demonstrate complete transparency in this case,” RSF said.
On the night of 1 to 2 November 2004, Ulín Hernández was kidnapped by two persons in front of his home as he was getting out of his car. His attackers took the journalist away in his own car and brutally beat him with their handguns, causing injuries to his neck and head.
Ulín Hernández’s attackers then drove him to a secluded location and told him they were going to execute him. They aimed their handguns at the journalist’s head before ordering him to flee. After running a few metres, Ulín Hernández lost consciousness. He was found by local residents, who took him to a hospital.
According to Ulín Hernández, his attackers, who fled with his vehicle, told him repeatedly that he had “crossed the line.” The journalist writes a column in “La Verdad del Sureste” in which he recently criticised alleged maneuvering by the state’s interior minister and another state official to take control of a local students’ organisation. According to the Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez Human Rights Centre, the journalist believes the two government officials may be responsible for his kidnapping.
“La Verdad del Sureste” newspaper is known for its criticism of politicians and influential public figures. A preliminary inquiry has been launched for kidnapping, attempted murder, robbery and assault.
