Mexico: Stephanie Henaro Threatened with Death After Criticizing Government’s Hurricane Response

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the attack on the journalist and demands an end to divisive political rhetoric that is used to target press

Location: Mexico, Mexico City
Date: November 4, 2023

Journalist Stephanie Henaro received death threats on social media. The Coalition For Women In Journalism denounces threats against the journalist for criticizing the government’s poor response to Hurricane Otis. Journalists must be free to speak openly about actions of the state without fearing reprisals. 

“It is really dangerous to be a journalist in Mexico. And I think it's even more dangerous in this period of history with this kind of government when polarization is at its maximum level and attacks against the press are promoted by the President,” Mexican journalist Stephanie Henaro tells CFWIJ after receiving a death threat for commenting on the government.

On November 4, political commentator and journalist Stephanie Henaro was invited to discuss the damage caused by Hurricane Otis in Acapulco on television when she was sent a menacing message online.

“We were talking about how the local and federal government's response was not effective when it came to the hurricane. At the same time that the program was being transmitted, someone reached out to me on my Facebook page, where I shared all my articles, and sent me a private message. Telling me that if I didn't shut up they were going to kill me,” reveals Henaro.

On October 25, Hurricane Otis wreaked havoc on Acapulco, Mexico, with devastating consequences. Otis destroyed over 200,000 homes, claimed at least 45 lives, and left dozens missing. During her live broadcast, Henaro emphasized the importance of empathy and support for those affected by the hurricane, as well as the urgency of delivering aid to those in need without unnecessary delays. 

Henaro says the threat was sent to her from a seemingly fake social media profile, which displayed a message warning her to "slow down on your insults" and to essentially "give herself up for dead." 

After receiving the threat, Henaro has become more conscious of her personal safety. “I have been more cautious about when I go out to the street, when I'm driving. I look to see if someone is following me. So far, it hasn't happened, but I have to say that I'm under alert.”

The journalist feels strongly that threats against journalists should be publicized and reported to authorities. Although Henaro admits that many of her colleagues have come to accept threats as a normal part of their jobs, she completely disagrees. “This is not something we should have to get used to,” she adds.

Henaro reported the threat against her to police in Mexico City. She praised their response to her complaint and is currently awaiting results from their investigation.

“Many people judge you. Many people think that you're just trying to get attention. That is not the case,” Henaro explains why she is speaking publicly about the threat. “I'm just trying to make visible something that is not right. And we have to raise our voice because it's really difficult to be a woman journalist here and sometimes people want to stop us.”

The journalist does not shy away from taking a firm stance in public and advocating for her views without resorting to personal attacks. She tells CFWIJ she has worked as a journalist for 11 years, usually commenting on international political events, and the only time she has received a threat is when commenting on the Mexican government. She attributes much of the hostility toward journalists in the country to harmful rhetoric espoused by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

The President has been confrontational and dismissive toward the press, discrediting journalists and media outlets critical of his administration's actions. He has accused outlets of being funded by external entities (such as the U.S. government) to work against his government, framing their actions as interventions in Mexico's sovereignty.

Henaro is critical of politicians who rely on polarization to gain support and underscores the importance of unity in the face of pressing issues, highlighting the importance of open dialogue and tolerance, even when facing opposing viewpoints.

The threat against Henaro sheds light on the current political climate in Mexico, where polarization and divisiveness are prevalent. In recent months CFWIJ has documented multiple instances where Mexican politicians and unidentified people, possibly associated with law enforcement, have used intimidation, verbal and physical threats, to target women journalists. These actions are intended to silence their reporting, demonstrating a hostile stance toward the media. 

Despite awareness of these issues and international condemnation, Mexico remains one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. The persistent challenges and risks women journalists face have a chilling effect on press freedom, making it difficult for them to carry out their essential role in a democratic society. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemns the threat against Stephanie Henaro. We commend her for handling this offensive and dangerous interaction by highlighting the importance of open dialogue and tolerance. Journalists like Henaro, who passionately advocate for transparency, accountability, and empathy, play a vital role in strengthening democratic societies. We urge Mexico City police to conduct a swift and thorough investigation and to hold those threatening Stephanie Henaro to account.

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.