Mexico: 10 Police Officers Brutally Attack Journalist Estrella Pedroza

Officers claimed they were arresting the journalist for the attempted murder of a cop

Location: Mexico, Morelos
Date: September 30, 2023

Estrella Pedroza, a Mexican journalist and regular contributor to the progressive daily La Jornada, was assaulted by approximately ten police officers from the state of Morelos while carrying out her professional duties at the office of the special prosecutor. The Coalition For Women In Journalism expresses deep concern and condemnation over the flagrant violation of media freedom against Estrella Pedroza. We strongly urge authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

Estrella Pedroza, a prominent Mexican journalist based in Morelos, was documenting the presence of police officers at the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office in Morelos in response to citizen complaints regarding police actions when she was attacked by ten police officers stationed there.

"A police officer put his hand (through the window) to try to take the car keys. I didn’t let him. Then they started telling me to get out, that they were going to arrest me for the attempted murder of a police officer,” says Mexican journalist Estrella Pedroza in a social media post recounting the horrifying incident.

Colleagues managed to intervene after she had alerted them by phone. 

As of 2023, Mexico continues to rank among the most dangerous countries for journalists, with 19 press professionals murdered. CFWIJ has documented numerous cases of gross violations against women journalists in Mexico. Women journalists in the country face various forms of violence, including physical attacks, threats, harassment, and intimidation.

This year alone, eight journalists were killed. This alarming trend highlights the ongoing risks and challenges journalists face in Mexico, who often put their lives on the line to report on critical issues and hold power to account. 

Pedroza — who has extensively covered cases of disappearances, femicides, and homicides — has highlighted the heightened and distinct risks women journalists face, including a distressing incident where a female colleague was shot near her home.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism expresses unwavering solidarity with Estrella Pedroza. We strongly condemn the brutal attacks she has endured and call for immediate government intervention to ensure those responsible are swiftly held accountable for their actions. The safety and protection of journalists, particularly women journalists, are paramount. We demand justice and an end to the violence faced by media professionals.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.