Mexico: 5 Women Journalists Arrested for Covering Women’s Day March

At least 19 journalists, of which at least 7 women, obstructed by both authorities and protestors 

Location: Mexico, Mexico City

Date: March 8, 2024

Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the arrest of five women journalists in Zacatecas and the physical assault of at least three others in various regions of Mexico while covering International Women's Day marches. On a day meant to celebrate and advance the rights of women, authorities have instead chosen to suppress the freedom of women journalists, undermining the very principles International Women's Day stands for. By detaining journalists without just cause, the Mexican authorities are not only violating the rights of the individuals involved but are also sending a chilling message to the media at large. We demand the immediate release of the arrested journalists and the dismissal of any charges against them.

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On March 8, as International Women's Day demonstrations took place in several cities across Mexico, at least 19 journalists, of whom at least 7 women, were attacked while trying to cover the demonstrations. Eleven of the attacks, including arbitrary arrests, physical attacks, and the use of irritating gases, were perpetrated by authorities. 

In Zacatecas, at least five women journalists and human rights defenders were arrested.  Activists and collectives organized a "silhouette" vigil to remember the victims of femicides by humanizing statistics and reminding people that behind each number is a person who has suffered from gender-based violence. The memorials were cleared away in the morning as per government orders, sparking a conversation about public space and memory.

In Michoacán, a group of journalists documenting the march in Morelia were attacked by protesters, with one local media reporter being sprayed with glue.  In another incident in the same city, a woman journalist was reportedly shoved and forced to stop recording with her cell phone after asserting her right to practice journalism. In Tlaxcala, a correspondent for MILENIO reported being attacked with water, chlorine, and a blow to the back of the head by a protester during her coverage of the march.

Mexico holds the grim record of being the deadliest country for journalists outside of war zones, with 18 journalists murdered since 2022. Those covering corruption and crime are particularly at risk of abduction, assault, or worse. 

Despite the implementation of a protection mechanism and the appointment of a special prosecutor to probe media attacks, journalists argue these measures are often inadequate. Achieving justice remains a difficult and often elusive pursuit. There is a high probability that the government offers only minimal protection to journalists. Investigations into these attacks seldom result in resolution, as investigators themselves are often either intimidated by or in collusion with the culprits.

Women Press Freedom demands the immediate release of the arrested journalists and calls on the Mexican government, under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, to address this grievous contradiction by taking substantial steps to protect journalists, particularly women journalists. The government must not only condemn these actions in words but demonstrate a genuine commitment to press freedom and women's rights through concrete actions. We further urge the Mexican government to conduct a thorough investigation into these arrests and assaults, holding those responsible accountable. It is imperative for authorities to ensure such incidents do not recur, reinforcing the message that women journalists, like all citizens, have the right to perform their duties without fear of repression or violence.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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