(CENCOS/IFEX) – Reporter Nadia Altamirano, of the Oaxaca state-based newspaper “El Imparcial”, was the target of intimidating comments by two presumed employees of the Oaxaca state government, who told her not to continue publishing “big newspaper articles” warning of the possible risk of landslides on the Cerro del Fortín mountain due to roadwork being done […]
(CENCOS/IFEX) – Reporter Nadia Altamirano, of the Oaxaca state-based newspaper “El Imparcial”, was the target of intimidating comments by two presumed employees of the Oaxaca state government, who told her not to continue publishing “big newspaper articles” warning of the possible risk of landslides on the Cerro del Fortín mountain due to roadwork being done to broaden the highway there.
Altamirano commented to CENCOS that, “in the context of the acts of aggression and death threats directed against other journalists, this is a minor incident. However, I think that it is very serious that a public employee thinks he or she has the right to undermine freedom of expression. That’s why I’ve decided not to remain silent, and instead to make a public complaint.” The reporter intends to file a complaint with the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes against Journalists, backed by “El Imparcial” director Luis David Quintana.
Given the series of recent incidents involving Oaxacan authorities, CENCOS condemns the impunity with which those authorities are able to threaten journalists, without, so far, any investigation having led to the punishment of those responsible. CENCOS will hold the government of the state of Oaxaca responsible for any threat, act of intimidation, attack, or violence that might be committed against Altamirano or the members of her family.
