Freedom of Expression

Press Release R44/08

PRESS RELEASE

PREN R44/08

 

OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION DEPLORES MURDER OF NEWSPAPER DIRECTOR IN MEXICO

AND DEMANDS INVESTIGATION

 

Washington, D.C, October 23, 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 Miguel Villagómez Valle, director of the daily La Noticia in Michoacán, Mexico. The Office of the Special Rapporteur urges Mexican authorities to investigate this crime promptly and effectively, and to duly prosecute those responsible.

 

On October 9, 2008, Villagómez Valle was kidnapped after leaving the newspaper, and later he was shot down. His body was found on October 10 in the neighboring Guerrero state. Villagómez Valle was the director and founder of the daily newspaper La Noticia, based on Lázaro Cardenas in Michoacán state. The newspaper covers crime and politics, along with sports and culture. According to the information released by the local press and non governmental organizations, Villagómez would have received a threatening call on his cell phone a month ago, that could have been related to a group of drug dealers.

 

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." The Office of the Special Rapporteur requests an investigation on this crime and to duly prosecute those responsible.

 

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