U.S.-Backed Drug War Fuels Murders of Journalists in Mexico, Most Dangerous Country for Media

We go to Tijuana, Mexico, where a wave of murdered journalists has raised international alarm and prompted nationwide protests. The three most recently murdered are José Luis Gamboa Arenas, Alfonso Margarito Martínez Esquivel and Lourdes Maldonado López. We speak with Jan-Albert Hootsen, Mexico correspondent at the Committee to Protect Journalists, who attended López’s funeral on Thursday in Tijuana and says Mexican authorities’ investigations and security measures have proven “woefully insufficient.” He adds that violence against journalists exploded after the Mexican government launched its U.S.-backed war on drugs. “The United States is a player in this violence, whether it likes it or not.”

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[wiolettapagowski]

Seems anything backed by US brings misery. All about BENJAMINS!

[hayat-unnessa]

Police protecting her probably gave out the information to the drug cartels.

[hayat-unnessa]

Remember Julian Assange and how he is being persecuted!

[joaquinmisajr.]

Mexico and Philippines, former colonies of both Spain & U.S., are struggling with Narco-Kleptocracy. Why is that?! It’s the Colonization that’s left these countries with chronic socio-economic inequalities leading to grinding poverty.

[zehrajafri]

How brave of these poor journalists, no greater sacrifice then one's life. Giving their life for truth and justice. That's why journalism is sacred.

[zehrajafri]

Just imagine all this happening in our own country, how can this state of affairs be allowed. America must stop this tentacle of the war machine. Good job, keep the truth alive.👍👍

[Black__Def]

Anyone who watches the Netflix series (Narcos) knows the cartel can touch anyone, anywhere at any time. Law enforcement is in the pockets of the drug cartels! Sad.

[ecamormex]

She was not under protection from the federal government, it was the state of Baja California that had her under its protection mechanism. The previous governor of that state had a personal beef with her, and so he had her murdered. His name is Jaime Bonilla, and it is suspected that he had her killed after she won a lawsuit against him.

[MultiSmartass]

I was a freelance journalist for 22 years. I covered protests a couple times.

When Reporters have to protest in the streets in favor of their professions and lives as opposed to covering protests, things have gone deeply and sadly wrong.

[ZootZinBootZ]

Lourdes's desperately longing puppy has broken a fragment of my heart forever. I wont forget or forgive that catastrophic reality of Lourdes's fate. Greed rots souls.

[richardbowden]

It's our fault for not legalizing and regulating drugs instead of guaranteeing a lucrative black market for violent criminals. This blood is on our hands.

[bluzcompany]

Legalize, decriminalize all drugs and this will stop...

[poncedeoly]

legalize drugs. remember the violence when booze was illegal

[nidodson]

We really need an even deeper dive of how the US is responsible for this. Really, a whole documentary series.

[sergiom]

its deplorable that theres so much violence and impunity in Mexico. RIP Lourdes Maldonado

[btsfan]

Is it me or does it sound like these are professional hits?

[realtijuana]

The cameraman at Maldonado's funeral was trying to tell us something by showing repeatedly the wreath sent by Jorge Hank Rhon, the guy who ordered the assassination of the two previous publishers of the newspaper Zeta.

[Y.o]

As we make war against our drug lust, the people of Mexico suffer and die for our sins.

[jeanhawken]

The absolute corruption of anyone dealing drugs. They slaughter and destroy everything good in life.

[featherlessbiped]

Democracy is a beautiful dream. It's hard to dream anymore. Thank You