The SRFOE condemns the murder of journalist Alejandro Martínez Noguez and urges a diligent and thorough investigation

August 12, 2024

Washington, D.C. – The Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (SRFOE) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemns the murder of journalist Alejandro Martínez Noguez in Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico. This Office calls on the State to investigate it diligently and thoroughly, considering his profession as a possible motive for the crime, and to punish those responsible.

According to public reports, on August 4, 2024, journalist Alejandro Martínez Noguez was traveling in a patrol car back to Celaya after covering a news event in a neighboring municipality when armed individuals fired upon the vehicle. Despite being transported alive to a hospital in Celaya, the journalist died while receiving medical attention. Additionally, two police officers accompanying him were injured in the attack, as reported by local media.

Alejandro Martínez Noguez published news of interest on his Facebook page, El Hijo del Llanero Solititito, including political and sports topics. It is noteworthy that the journalist had a protection scheme and measures provided by the federal mechanism due to an attempted murder at the end of 2022 and other previous attacks.

According to information received by the SRFOE, the Attorney General's Office of the state of Guanajuato has initiated an investigation to clarify the facts. This Office also acknowledges the statements made by the municipal government of Celaya, condemning the crime and committing to follow up on the investigation by the Attorney General's Office “so that the causes are known” and those responsible “are brought to justice”.

This Office observes with concern that, so far in 2024, the murder of three journalists in the country has been recorded: Roberto Figueroa, Víctor Morales, and Alejandro Martínez Noguez, as well as the murder of radio broadcaster Martín Antonio Olivier Rodríguez.

The murder of journalists and communicators constitutes, in addition to a violation of the right to life, the most serious attack on freedom of expression and a form of direct censorship. According to the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression, the murder, kidnapping, intimidation, and threat to journalists “violate the fundamental rights of individuals and strongly restrict freedom of expression.” Consequently, it is the duty of States to prevent and investigate these acts, punish those responsible, and ensure adequate reparation for the victims.

The Office reiterates that the obligation of States to adopt measures to prevent violence against journalists and media workers is heightened “in situations or areas where a special risk for journalists or media workers has been detected”.

In light of the facts presented, the Special Rapporteur urges the Mexican authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and to sanction both the direct and intellectual perpetrators, considering the journalistic work as a possible motive for the crime. Additionally, it reiterates its call to strengthen and adopt preventive measures that address the root causes of violence and the impunity of crimes against journalists in Mexico, as well as to reinforce protective measures for journalists whose lives or safety are at risk.

The Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression is an office created by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) with the aim of promoting the hemispheric defense of the right to freedom of thought and expression, considering its fundamental role in the consolidation and development of the democratic system.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate stems from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has the mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on the matter. The IACHR is made up of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity, and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. R179/24

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