Mexico: Death Threats Sent to Journalist Claudia Hernández Following Murder Investigation

Powerful political duo Encinas, a local representative, and her husband, Valdenebro, are believed to be behind the threats

Location: Mexico, San Blas
Date: October 11, 2023

Following Claudia Isela Hernández Pérez’ live broadcast reporting on the murder of businesswoman Angela Louise Birkenbach, the journalist was sent several threats by a fake online profile. Her outlet believes a political power couple is behind the threats. The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands firmly in solidarity with Claudia Isela Hernández Pérez and strongly condemns the harassment and intimidation she has faced while carrying out her professional duties. We call upon the authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the threats she has received and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

Claudia Isela Hernández Pérez, a journalist in San Blas, revealed she received threats in a now-deleted Facebook post. The post came in the wake of her reporting on the mysterious disappearance and subsequent death of Angela Louise Birkenbach, a Canadian businesswoman with ties to Mexico.

"You're next. You're next. You're next. Claudia, nobody messes with Myrna," one of the threats read. 

Birkenbach's death sent shockwaves through the community, leaving residents in mourning and demanding answers. The Canadian and naturalized Mexican businesswoman was reported missing on October 9, and her lifeless body was discovered on October 11 with signs of torture. The grim discovery took place on a property in the town of Jalcocotán, within the municipality of San Blas, near a tourist complex on Birkenbach's own land. Her relatives had reported her disappearance on October 10, stating that she was last seen on her property, Limoncito Hills. In response, they requested a search through Alerta Alba Nayarit.

Birkenbach had been involved in an intense land dispute since 2018 with local ejidatarios (land tenures), led by Myrna Encinas, a local representative, and her husband, Rodolfo Valdenebro, a councilor of San Blas, both affiliated with the Mexican left-wing political party Morena. The couple accused Birkenbach of appropriating the Limoncito beach and demanded that she free the path, leading to numerous dangerous clashes.

While Encinas has categorically denied any involvement in Birkenbach's death, there has been no comment from the representative regarding the threats received by Pérez. The reporter previously received threats, starting at the end of September 2023, before the murder of Birkenbach. Her outlet believes these were also related to her critical reporting on the Encinas-Valdenebro couple.

This isn't the first time the couple have been accused of curbing freedom of expression. In 2022, the Nayarit Prosecutor's Office controversially granted "protective measures" to Encinas. This act effectively gagged Lenin Guardado, General Director of a local media outlet, from publishing critical pieces against her. Though later nullified by a federal judge, the episode revealed the lengths the group would go to shield themselves from scrutiny.

These threats against the reporters highlight the perilous climate surrounding journalists in Mexico who dare to hold power to account. It is imperative that authorities take these threats seriously and ensure the safety of all those involved in seeking justice for Birkenbach.

CFWIJ is actively monitoring and documenting various forms of aggression against women journalists in Mexico. We have recorded numerous instances of violations and are committed to addressing these issues. Year after year, Mexico continues to be recognized as the most dangerous and deadliest country for journalists.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism expresses unwavering solidarity with Claudia Isela Hernández Pérez. We strongly condemn the death threats directed towards her and demand that authorities conduct a comprehensive and unbiased investigation to ensure justice is served.

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.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.