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Garza: “Freedom of the press lies at the heart of any democratic government. Our liberties are at risk if we fail to fight the criminals who are killing and maiming journalists-- journalists who risk their lives every day to keep people informed, to expose illegal activity, and to hold all of us in positions of public trust accountable to the people we serve.”
Mexico City, February 9, 2006 – “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the victims of this attack, and hope they recover from their grave injuries rapidly, said Ambassador Antonio O. Garza.
“Freedom of the press lies at the heart of any democratic government. Our liberties are at risk if we fail to fight the criminals who are killing and maiming journalists-- journalists who risk their lives every day to keep people informed, to expose illegal activity, and to hold all of us in positions of public trust accountable to the people we serve,” stated Garza. “This type of violence by organized crime can lead to self-censorship by the media and ultimately can be a detriment to the public’s right to information—a fundamental right for any free people.”
“This is not the time for finger-pointing and recriminations,” added Garza. “It is our hope that all elements of civil society and those responsible for protecting the citizens of Mexico and the increasingly violent U.S.-Mexican border will investigate this latest attack on freedom of the press and take whatever measures are necessary to protect the media, a vital part of Mexico’s robust democracy,” said Garza.
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