(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the 21 June 2006 petrol bomb attack on the home of journalist Manuel Acuña López, a reporter for the local daily “Por Esto”, in Mérida, Yucatán state. “We demand that the authorities do their utmost to identify and punish those who carried out and those who instigated this […]
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the 21 June 2006 petrol bomb attack on the home of journalist Manuel Acuña López, a reporter for the local daily “Por Esto”, in Mérida, Yucatán state.
“We demand that the authorities do their utmost to identify and punish those who carried out and those who instigated this crime,” said RSF. “We call on members of the government in Yucatán and particularly on Patricio Patrón Laviada, the state governor, to take effective steps to protect the media,” the press freedom organisation added.
“We also urge them to allow journalists freedom of movement and expression, which are essential for them to carry out their work.”
Acuña López himself publicly accused Governor Patrón Laviada of being implicated in the 21 June overnight attack on his home, which started a fire destroying the walls and doors and wrecking a vehicle parked outside.
His wife and children suffered severe shock and smoke inhalation. Local residents managed to put out the fire.
The journalist had received several warnings from the governor after he wrote articles exposing alleged corruption and nepotism within his administration. He also wrote an editorial revealing that he had been advised a few days previously to “moderate” some of his reports that were likely to harm the reputation of certain state officials.