Mexico: Journalist Silvia Nayssa Arce and Four Others Abducted, Released After Four Days

This incident marks the gravest mass assault on journalists in Mexico since 2012, when three news photographers were found murdered in Veracruz

Location: Mexico, Guerrero
Date: November 19, 2023

Armed men in the violence-plagued state of Guerrero kidnapped journalist Silvia Nayssa Arce, her husband Alberto Sánchez, and journalist Marco Antonio Toledo with his wife and son on November 19 and 22 respectively. The abductions of the journalists are believed to be orchestrated by a drug cartel. On November 26, four out of the five people were set free, but the current location of Alberto Toledo, the son of one of the journalists, remains undisclosed. The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom expresses its support for Silvia Nayssa Arce and the other victims of this abduction. We are relieved by the release of four of the kidnapped, but concerned for the safety of Alberto Toledo. We urge authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation to ensure that those responsible for this atrocious act are held accountable.

On Sunday, November 19, director of the El Espectador weekly, Marco Antonio Toledo, along with his wife and eldest son, was forcefully taken by armed men, while a journalist couple, Silvia Nayssa Arce and Alberto Sánchez, reporters for digital media site RedSiete, were abducted on Wednesday, November 22. The Afternoon Chronicle, an online news platform, disclosed that one of its reporters in Taxco had previously received menacing threats from a drug cartel and had recently exposed cases of local corruption. 

Following extensive search operations and the joint efforts of state and federal authorities, the attorney general's office in Guerrero confirmed the release of three journalists. Silvia Nayssa Arce, Alberto Sanchez, and Marco Antonio Toledo, along with Toledo's wife, Guadalupe Denova, have been freed. Regrettably, the location of the couple's abducted son is still unknown.

Taxco has transformed into a battleground as drug gangs compete for dominance in extorting protection money from local businesses. The violent La Familia Michoacana cartel and the Tlacos gang are reportedly engaged in territorial conflicts within the city. Local reporters who dare cover stories affiliated with the gangs face grave danger. 

This incident represents one of the most significant mass attacks on journalists in Mexico since 2012, when three news photographers were discovered slain in Veracruz.

Mexico has gained a notorious reputation as one of the deadliest countries for journalists worldwide. Five journalists have been killed in Mexico this year alone. CFWIJ has been closely monitoring the progress of press freedom in the country and has diligently documented numerous violations against journalists and media professionals, including the assassination attempt on María Estrada, police physically assaulting Estrella Pedroza, and death threats sent to Stephanie Henaro.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom strongly stands in solidarity with Silvia Nayssa Arce and the other victims of this abduction. We vehemently condemn these atrocious acts of violence targeting journalists and press freedom. We urge the Mexican army, police, and national guard to persist in their search operations to ensure the safe return of Alberto Toledo. We urge the Mexican government to prioritize the protection of journalists and take decisive action against the pervasive violence afflicting the nation. It is imperative to implement comprehensive measures that safeguard press freedom and guarantee their safety.

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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