The murder last week of Mexican photojournalist Rubén Espinosa underscores not only the dangers journalists face in Mexico, but how little faith reporters there have in promises of government protection, reports the Christian Science Monitor. Espinosa, who worked for respected news outlets like the investigative magazine Proceso, fled Veracruz in June after being harassed. He relocated to Mexico City, considered safe by many reporters. But last Friday, Espinosa and four women were found dead in an apartment there. Their bodies showed signs of torture.
Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. More than 50 have been murdered or disappeared since 2011, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. In 2012, Mexico created a program within the ministry of the interior to provide protection for journalists and human rights defenders under threat. But continuing violence, impunity, and a widespread belief that government officials are linked to criminal groups have made some reporters reluctant to initiate the protection measures.