Freedom of Expression

Press Release 190/08

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Freedom of expression is a cornerstone upon which the very existence of a democratic society rests.

Advisory Opinion, OC-5/85, IACtHR

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PRESS RELEASE

PREN 190/08

 

OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION DEPLORES MURDER OF TWO JOURNALISTS FROM A COMMUNITY RADIO IN MEXICO AND DEMANDS INVESTIGATION

 

Washington, D.C, April 18, 2008 - The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) of the Organization of American States deplores the murder of Teresa Bautista Merino and Felicitas Martínez Sánchez, both hosts at community radio La Voz que Rompe el Silencio of the Triqui indigenous group, which broadcasts in Oaxaca, Mexico. The Office of the Special Rapporteur urges Mexican authorities to investigate this crime promptly and effectively, and to duly punish those responsible.

 

According to the information received by the Office of the Special Rapporteur, Bautista Merino and Martínez Sánchez were ambushed and killed on April 7, 2008, when unidentified individuals shot at their vehicle, in Oaxaca, Mexico. Another four persons were injured. According to the media and non-governmental organizations, both reporters were killed when they were coming back from a neighboring town where they interviewed people and talked about their community radio. The two women worked as hosts and reporters for community radio La Voz que Rompe el Silencio that broadcasts in the Triqui town of San Juan Copala. They used to report on the autonomous indigenous government of San Juan Copala and on news about health, education, and indigenous culture. The community radio began broadcasting in Spanish and the Triqui language on January 19, 2008.

 

Under the American Convention on Human Rights, States have the duty to prevent, investigate, and sanction any violation of the rights recognized therein. Principle 9 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression of the IACHR states that "the murder, kidnapping, intimidation of and/or threats to social communicators, as well as the material destruction of communications media violate the fundamental rights of individuals and strongly restrict freedom of expression."

 

For additional information about the Office of the Special Rapporteur: http://www.cidh.org/relatoria/index.asp?lID=1