Introduction
Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy, yet in Mexico, this fundamental right faces an insidious siege. While Mexico does not live under a dictatorship, the recent attacks against critical media and citizens raise concerns about the erosion of press freedom.
Historical Context: Authoritarian Practices in Latin America
In Latin America, authoritarian regimes have commonly used censorship to impose their narrative and control reality. These dictatorial practices include silencing critical media, seizing their headquarters, arresting journalists, and imposing censors. However, Mexico has not reached this level of repression, as it does not live under a dictatorship and government attacks on media are not widespread, simultaneous, or violent.
The New Faces of Censorship in Mexico
Although traditional forms of censorship, such as assassinations, disappearances, and unequal distribution of official advertising, persist, new methods have emerged. Explicit criminalization through the misuse of laws has become a prominent tool to silence critical voices, both professional and citizen journalists.
Documented Cases of Legal Manipulation
Humberto Musacchio’s investigative collaborations, compiled in “¡Cállense! Los nuevos rostros de la censura” (2025), detail how vocal critics face legal accusations based on electoral, civil, or penal laws, deliberately misinterpreted or created to intimidate, humiliate, and silence those who expose the dark corners of Mexico’s violence and corruption.
- Figuras de la ley electoral: Misuse of electoral laws against journalists and candidates, such as Héctor de Mauleón and El Universal in Tamaulipas or against citizen Karla Estrella in Sonora.
- Figuras civiles: Misuse of civil laws against journalists and citizens, like the Campeche governor’s imposition of strict censorship on José Luis González from Tribuna Campeche.
- Humillación pública: Forced public apologies from citizens like Carlos Velázquez de León to Senator Noroña and Karla Estrella after criticizing public officials.
- Iniciativa de ley poblana contra el “ciberacoso”: The proposed “Ley Censura” within the new Telecommunications Law and mandatory cell phone registration, among other measures.
Recent Examples of Legal Manipulation and Intimidation
In the past week, two journalists were accused of serious crimes. Rodolfo Ruiz in Puebla was charged with illicit resource use, while Rafael León Segovia in Veracruz was detained under terrorism accusations. The disproportionate response from the Veracruz FGJ, ignoring the federal government’s reluctance to label a car bomb attack in Michoacán as terrorism, highlights the manipulation of laws to silence critics.
Defending Freedom of Expression
Outrage against such legal manipulation is not merely solidarity with critical voices; it is a defense of our freedom of expression and right to information. As these threats against journalists and citizens continue, it is crucial to protect and uphold these fundamental rights.
