Mexico: Cinthya Alvarado Enríquez on Hunger Strike; Seeks Justice for Delayed Reparation of Damage

The journalist believes that her case is being weaponized for political reasons. 

Location: Mexico, Chiapas
Date: December 18, 2023

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with Cinthya Alvarado Enríquez, an independent journalist bravely undertaking a hunger strike in response to the delayed reparation of damages she suffered. Cinthya Alvarado's actions are a desperate yet powerful plea for justice. The prolonged delay in addressing the harm she endured since January 27, 2020, when she was attacked and tortured by municipal police in Tapachula, is unacceptable. The failure of the State Executive Commission for Assistance to Victims (CEEAV) and other relevant authorities, including Governor Rutilio Escandón, Tapachula's municipal president Rosa Urbina Castañeda, and CEEAV's head Alejandra Rovelo Cruz, to provide adequate care and compensation is a serious concern. We call upon the government of Chiapas and all responsible officials to acknowledge and address Alvarado's grievances promptly. The provision of immediate compensation and the safeguarding of journalistic freedoms are imperative. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for the rights and protection of journalists like Cinthya Alvarado Enríquez.

Independent journalist Cinthya Alvarado Enríquez has resorted to a hunger strike in a desperate plea for justice as she protests against the prolonged delay in receiving reparations for the harm inflicted upon her. Alvarado is specifically calling upon the Government Secretary of Chiapas, Cecilia Flores, to intervene and expedite the necessary procedures. She firmly believes that her case has been manipulated and transformed into a political issue, which is why she is urging the involvement of the individual responsible for internal politics in Chiapas. Alvarado holds this person accountable for the lack of response to her demands and is determined to continue her hunger strike until her grievances are acknowledged and addressed.

The journalist recounts the events of January 27, 2020, when she was attacked by Lidia Castañeda while covering a protest by indigenous people from Pavencul for the reconstruction of a road. Alvarado and the protesters were repressed and tortured by the municipal police of Tapachula. Alvarado was also arrested. A court ruling has since determined that the State Executive Commission for Assistance to Victims (CEEAV) is responsible for repairing the damage caused. However, nearly four years have passed, and no action has been taken to support the victims, leading Alvarado to believe that her case has become a political issue.

Alvarado emphasizes that there is no legal justification for delaying the repair of the damage and calls on the government of Chiapas to address this matter urgently. She urges the Secretary of the State Government to ensure that the victim receives full reparation for the harm inflicted upon her.

Furthermore, Alvarado accuses Governor Rutilio Escandón, Tapachula's municipal president Rosa Urbina Castañeda, and CEEAV's head Alejandra Rovelo Cruz of failing to provide adequate care for the affected population. She highlights the need for these officials to prioritize the well-being of those impacted by this incident.

As Alvarado continues her hunger strike, her determination to seek justice remains unwavering. She hopes that her actions will draw attention to the plight of victims and prompt the necessary actions to repair the damage caused.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Cinthya Alvarado Enríquez. It is alarming that nearly four years have elapsed without significant action to support Alvarado and other victims. The politicization of her case is a disturbing trend that undermines the principles of justice and press freedom. We urge Cecilia Flores, the Government Secretary of Chiapas, to take immediate and decisive steps to resolve this matter and ensure full reparation for the harm inflicted on Alvarado. 

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.

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