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"Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter." Thomas Jefferson, 1787
During the last few weeks those who have the good fortune to live in this vibrant nation, have learned of the attacks—some fatal—against journalists in different parts of Mexico. Today as we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, we express deep concern about these apparent attempts to intimidate at the very least, or at worst to silence, professionals whose work is essential for democracy anywhere.
The unhampered work of journalists has been essential at different stages in the history of democratic nations: for example, the coverage of the civil rights movement or the abuse of power that led to the resignation of President Nixon in the United States. In other countries, the media’s extensive, professional coverage influenced events such as India’s struggle for independence, the East-West conflict that led to taking down the Berlin Wall at the end of the Cold War, or defeating apartheid in South Africa.
The media are often referred to as the “watch dogs” of society. Although on occasion one might disagree with how they cover a story, nobody doubts the media’s crucial role, given their positive political, economic and social influence.
As a sign of an evolving democracy, the U.S. passed in 1966 the Freedom of Information Act, and during the Fox administration, Mexico’s Access to Information Act was signed into law. These laws strengthen not only the free exercise of journalism, but also the right of society to know and hold accountable its government and its political leaders.
Unfortunately, there are groups and individuals who operate outside the law. When their activities are known, scrutinized and condemned through media coverage, they feel threatened and often react violently against journalists. At this point, society as a whole should unite and defy those who have attacked what is vital to a free society.
In mid-April President Fox expressed outrage about the recent murders and attacks committed against journalists, stating that “this country will respond with all its might to ensure that justice is achieved and to punish those who think that they can keep their unlawful status and stop the advance of liberty by attacking journalists, judges, human rights activists, political adversaries, policemen or any citizen.”
I hope this unfortunate period of violence will end soon and that those responsible for these crimes against freedom of expression will be brought to justice.
Democratic nations understand that democracy is an ongoing process. No nation can claim it has achieved a perfect democracy. But democracy and its freedoms – and that of expression is no exception - require not only active, conscious participation of society as a whole, but that of each individual citizen.
As we reflect on the fundamental value of a free press, we cannot forget the unsolved cases, among them: Franciso Ortiz, of the weekly Zeta in Tijuana; Roberto Mora of El Mañana in Nuevo Lardo; Guadalupe Garcia Escamilla of Estéreo 91 in Nuevo Laredo; Raúl Gibb of La Opinión in Poza Rica; and Alfredo Jiménez of El Imparcial in Hermosillo.
I offer my solidarity to the families and friends of those journalists who have died due to their profession, to those journalists and media targeted or intimidated, and above all, to those who persevere—even in difficult times—with the fundamental task of informing public opinion.
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