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In light of the mortal danger many journalists in Mexico are forced to endure, a group of media workers are set to open a shelter for colleagues facing threats due to their work, AFP reported Saturday.
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A recent report by Article 19 found that attacks on members of the press took place approximately every 22 hours, while another report by the organization found that 23 Mexican journalists had been forcibly disappeared since 2003.
Mexico is widely considered one of the most dangerous places for journalists. Often the threats come from individuals with ties to the state itself, leaving few options for those who fleeing for their lives.
The case of Ruben Espinoza brought the world's attention to the grave dangers that journalists in Mexico face. The fact that Espinoza was murdered in Mexico City, where journalists often hid, raised fears that no place in Mexico was safe.
Journalists often relied on informal networks when fleeing credible threats, choosing not to rely on government assistance due to mistrust of public officials.
The shelter seeks to provide more stable and consistent support.
“It's a house where we want them to have food, with all the basic services, where they are safe and they have psychological help,” Judith Calderon, president of the House of Rights of Journalists, told AFP.
“Colleagues feel safe because, for the first time, there's a house to protect journalists,” added Calderon.
The federal government created a special program to purportedly protect journalists, though results have left many wanting.
Mexican journalist Pedro Rosas Tamayo, who specialized in police reporting, was killed outside his home earlier this month, despite having state-sponsored protective measures.
In its report, Article 19 specifically criticized the Mexican Special Prosecutor for Attention to Crimes against Freedom of Expression, for having actually “fomented impunity,” rather than having help secure justice.
“Impunity persists and that is a clear message that a worse aggression can take place at any time,” Leopoldo Maldonado, coordinator of journalist protection at Article 19, told AFP.
The shelter is set to open in the coming weeks and is able to provide housing to a dozen people, the need is so great that the group reports that there is already a waiting list.
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