Dear Friend,
This week, we at Reporters Without Borders (RSF) are focusing our energy on the release of Martín Méndez Pineda, a Mexican journalist who is currently being detained while seeking asylum in the U.S.
After publishing an article exposing police misconduct in the state of Guerrero, Méndez became the target of physical attacks, death threats, and relentless harassment for months on end. Fearing for his life, the journalist fled Guerrero in hopes of finding sanctuary in the United States. Instead, he was detained at the border where he has been held in custody since February 5th without any charge.
Mexico is the deadliest country for journalists in the Western Hemisphere. Far too often we find ourselves reporting on the horrific treatment of Mexican journalists.
Just last month, journalist Cecilio Pinedo Birto was gunned down in the state of Guerrero in broad daylight. Two other journalists were killed in Mexico in March alone. Martín Méndez fled Guerrero knowing his life was at stake.
Self-censorship has become the norm for journalists in Mexico who fear for their lives and the lives of their families and loved ones.
Sign our petition and demand that the U.S. authorities release Martín Méndez, who has no place in custody and is being held without charge.
Thank you for your continued support of all journalists, and of freedom of information around the world.
Sincerely,
RSF Team