Dozens of Mexican media outlets and non-governmental organization Reporters Without Borders have issued a joint appeal to President Claudia Sheinbaum, calling on government authorities to take concrete measures to protect press workers. The intervention comes as violence against journalists remains intense across the country, with seven media professionals killed in fatal attacks since the beginning of the year.
More than 40 Mexican media organizations endorsed the statement published by Reporters Without Borders, urging President Sheinbaum to take decisive action against violence targeting reporters. The media coalition asked how many more journalists must die before the state acts, emphasizing that Mexico should not become accustomed to counting murdered press members.
Mexico ranks among the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, while perpetrators of violence against press workers regularly escape punishment, according to multiple non-governmental organizations. Data from Reporters Without Borders shows that 17 journalists have been killed since October 2024, when Sheinbaum assumed the Mexican presidency.
Press freedom index
The organization places Mexico 122nd out of 180 countries in its global Press Freedom Index. In terms of journalist safety specifically, the country is ranked lower at 160th place. Meanwhile, human rights group Article 19 has documented more than 180 crimes committed against media professionals in Mexico since 2000.
Reporters Without Borders, also known by its French name Reporters sans frontieres or RSF, is an international organization that monitors press freedom and advocates for journalist safety worldwide. Article 19 is a global rights group focused on defending freedom of expression. Journalists in Mexico have long faced high risks while reporting on public corruption, crime, and security issues.
Presidency list criticism
The joint appeal follows recent public scrutiny of the Mexican presidency after official channels released a list of journalists and media outlets critical of the left-wing government. Media professionals named on the presidential list reported facing targeted online attacks shortly after their details were made public.
President Sheinbaum attempted to downplay the significance of the list release, but promised that the administration would not publish similar lists in the future. Press advocates maintain that federal intervention remains necessary to protect media workers across Mexico.
