(RSF/IFEX) – On 13 September 1997, Rene Solorio, Gerardo Segura and Ernesto Madrid, journalists with the program “Hechos”, which is broadcast on TV Azteca, were abducted for several hours, assaulted and threatened with death by men who were, according to the journalists, police officers. Solorio was picked up and taken by four men who forced […]
(RSF/IFEX) – On 13 September 1997, Rene Solorio, Gerardo Segura and Ernesto
Madrid, journalists with the program “Hechos”, which is broadcast on TV
Azteca, were abducted for several hours, assaulted and threatened with death
by men who were, according to the journalists, police officers. Solorio was
picked up and taken by four men who forced him to get out of his car. He was
assaulted and threatened with death in mock execution style, during which a
pistol was pointed at his head. Solorio was told that it was not an act of
aggression but rather one of “vengeance” for information broadcast by TV
Azteca. Solorio was let go a few hours later. His colleagues Ernesto Madrid
and Gerardo Segura were also abducted, beaten and threatened with death.
The three journalists were investigating instances of corruption and human
rights violations involving police officers in Mexico, particularly judicial
police in Mexico City. The journalists were “invited” to tell their director
to stop broadcasting reports about these issues.
Solorio, Segura and Madrid have filed a complaint with legal authorities. As
well, the Attorney General of Mexico City, Lorenzo Tomas, has announced that
an investigation will be opened into the affair.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
serious attack on press freedom
to the identification and apprehension of those responsible
Appeals To
His Excellency Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon
President of the Republic of Mexico
Official Residence
Colonia San Miguel Chapultepec
C.P. 11850 Mexico D.F.
Fax: +525 271 1764 / 515 1794 / 277 2376Emilio Chuayffet Chemor
Minister of Interior
Bucareli 99, 1er piso, Col. Juarez
C.P. 06690 Mexico D.F.
Fax: +525 546 5350Jorge Madrazo
Attorney General (federal)
Reforma y Jaime Nuno
Box 06300
Mexico, D.F., Mexico
Fax: +525 625 7642 / 626 4478 / 626 4430Dr. Lorenzo Thomas
Attorney General for Mexico City
Ninos Heroes 132. Col. Doctores
Mexico 06720 D.F. Mexico
Fax: +525 625 7081
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
