On June 4, Mexican journalist Alberto Amaro was threatened with a firearm by officers of the investigative police from the Tlaxcala Attorney General’s Office. Amaro has faced numerous severe attacks over the past five years due to his reporting. Despite this, officials from Mexico’s Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists have questioned his claims and tried to withdraw his protective measures. We urge the Ministry of the Interior to provide Alberto with protection that truly addresses the high level of risk he faces.
Here’s what you can do:
Write to the Minister of Interior urging her to:
- Reevaluate Alberto Amaro’s security situation immediately in consultation with him.
- Ensure his existing protective measures are not withdrawn.
- Provide any additional protective measures needed to guarantee his safety based on the level of risk he faces.
- Ensure authorities thoroughly investigate any attacks against him.
Write to:
Minister Luisa María Alcalde Luján
Ministry of Interior (SEGOB)
Postal Address: Carretera Bucareli 99,
Colonia Juárez, Cuauhtemoc,
C.P. 06600, Mexico City, Mexico
Email: luisa.alcalde@segob.gob.mx
X: @Segob_mx / @LuisaAlcalde
And copy:
His Excellency Carlos Manuel JOAQUIN GONZALEZ
Ambassador
Embassy of the United Mexican States
45 O’Connor Street, Suites 1000, 1010 and 1030
Ottawa, ON K1P 1A4
Tel: (613) 233-8988, -9272, -9917 / 613-795-1868 (24h) Fax: (613) 235-9123
Email: infocan@sre.gob.mx
Immediate reassessment of security for Alberto Amaro
Alberto Amaro Jordán, a 35-year-old journalist from Atexcatzingo, Tlaxcala, has faced severe threats since 2019. Despite these dangers, in August 2023, the Mechanism decided to withdraw his protection. We demand an immediate reassessment of his security situation, consulting directly with him to ensure he remains protected.
Alberto’s protective measures must not be withdrawn. Given the continued attacks against him, including a recent vehicle chase on January 9, 2024, he needs additional protection. We urge the Mechanism to grant any necessary measures to guarantee his safety.
Investigate attacks and ensure accountability
Mexico is the most dangerous country for journalists in the Western Hemisphere. Since 2000, at least 153 journalists and media workers have been killed.
Of these, at least 64 were killed because of their work. Crimes against the press often go unpunished. According to CPJ’s Global Impunity Index, Mexico is consistently among the top ten countries with the most unsolved journalist murders.
Authorities must thoroughly investigate all attacks against Alberto Amaro. These investigations are crucial to holding aggressors accountable and preventing future threats.
The ongoing violence against journalists in Mexico, with high rates of unsolved murders, underscores the urgent need for robust protective measures and thorough investigations.
Please take action as soon as possible until August 8, 2024! The UA will be duly updated should there be the need for further action.
