Video: The Dangers for Journalists in Mexico

Mexico has become the western hemisphere’s deadliest country for the press, according to Reporters Without Borders. A total of 32 journalists have been murdered and seven disappeared since 2000. With nine journalists murdered in 2006, it ranked second only to Iraq worldwide.

The world of organized crime is one of the biggest threats to their safety, and local journalists are more at risk than those from other countries. However, the death of North American journalist Brad Will in Oaxaca last year demonstrates that international journalists are also at risk.

In 2005 the Mexican Government crated a special prosecutor to look into the dangers for journalists, but the organism is very limited.

Violence against journalists in Mexico is increasing, according to local sources and NGOs. Bribery and corruption used to be more popular forms of controlling the media, but murder and physical violence are becoming increasingly common. A culture of impunity means that violence against journalists often goes unpunished.

Alexandra Jimenez, information and analysis coordinator at the Foundation of Manuel Buendia, a foundation set up in memory of the Mexican murdered journalist, spoke to NewCorrespondent about the dangers journalists working in Mexico face.