Fifth Mexican journalist killed in six weeks

Mexican journalist Heber López was recently shot and killed in Oaxaca after publishing an article accusing a former official of corruption. (Screenshot: Imagen Noticias/YouTube)

Mexican journalist Heber López was shot dead in Oaxaca state on February 10, the latest in a string of journalist killings in the country. López is the fifth reporter killed in Mexico – the deadliest country for journalists in the Western Hemisphere – this year. “These killings will only stop with genuine, decisive actions by Mexican authorities,” said Jan-Albert Hootsen, CPJ’s Mexico representative.

In Canada, journalists covering a trucker-led protest against COVID-19 restrictions were insulted, threatened, and attacked for doing their jobs. Two journalists covering the protests in the capital Ottawa spoke to CPJ about their safety concerns and strategies for reporting amid online and physical threats and harassment.

Global press freedom updates

Spotlight

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Thursday. CPJ called on von der Leyen this week to speak out on media freedom during the meeting as Egypt continues to crack down on the press.

CPJ also took part in a joint rally outside the Royal Palace in Brussels on Wednesday, while el-Sisi met with the Belgian king.

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[Editor’s note: The text in the Spotlight section has been updated to correct the spelling of von der Leyen’s name.]

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