Mexico: Women Press Freedom is Outraged by Releases of Ex-Governor and Police Director Accused of Torturing Lydia Cacho
Both men have been granted freedom from detention amid ongoing trials
Location: Quintana Roo
Date: August 10, 2024
Women Press Freedom expresses profound alarm at judicial decisions granting freedom to a former governor and a former police chief accused of torturing investigative journalist Lydia Cacho. These decisions were made amidst ongoing trials, both men are significant flight risks and their releases undermine the pursuit of justice. Cacho was forced to leave Mexico in 2019 after being assaulted following her exposure of an international child trafficking ring and its cover-up by politicians. She suffered institutionalized torture orchestrated by public officials as retaliation for her efforts to hold those in power accountable. Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the release of these defendants while they are on trial for such heinous crimes. We support Cacho's decision to challenge these rulings and urge the courts to reverse their decisions to ensure accountability for these reprehensible actions.
On August 7, 2024, a federal judge approved a change in precautionary measures for former police chief Adolfo Karam Beltrán, leading to his release from prison due to a legal challenge by his lawyers. Three days later, a judge in Quintana Roo revoked former governor of Puebla Mario Marín Torres’ preventive detention, resulting in his release from Altiplano prison in Mexico.
Both men were in pre-trial detention amid trials for their alleged torture and assault of investigative journalist Lydia Cacho in 2005.
In response to the decisions to grant the men freedom, Cacho is launching legal challenges. Her lawyer has submitted a collection of evidence to the courts showcasing not only the potential flight risks of the defendants but also the dangers posed to the victim, a woman journalist who endured torture.
The Cacho Case
In 2005, Mexican journalist Lydia Cacho published "The Demons of Eden," exposing a child pornography and prostitution ring involving businessman Jean Succar Kuri and José Kamel Nacif, who were protected by politicians. Shortly after, on December 16, Cacho was arrested in Cancún on defamation charges, transferred to Puebla, and tortured by police during transit.
In February 2006, a leaked phone call revealed a plot between then-Governor of Puebla Mario Marín Torres and Nacif to have Cacho arrested and abused in prison. In response, Cacho filed charges against Torres, Nacif, and other officials. While some police involved in the torture were convicted, those who ordered it faced no accountability.
Despite arrest warrants issued in 2019 for Torres, Nacif, and others, these were canceled later that year. In July 2019, Cacho faced further violence, leading her to flee Mexico. Warrants were reissued in December 2020, resulting in the February 2021 arrest and extradition of Torres, Nacif, and Beltrán.
Mexico: Land of Impunity
Mexico holds the unfortunate title of being the most perilous place for journalists globally. The case of Lydia Cacho serves as a striking and public illustration of the challenges confronting Mexican journalists. Despite the widespread exposure of evidence against her attackers, she has struggled to secure justice from the authorities. Even as her case has been revisited, the arrest warrants remain unexecuted, casting doubt on the likelihood of their enforcement. Furthermore, Cacho maintains that the justice system has mishandled her case, perpetuating her frustration and disillusionment after 19 years. Her outspoken criticism reflects the enduring struggles faced by journalists in Mexico, highlighting the obstacles to seeking accountability and upholding the principles of press freedom. Cacho continues to be compelled to reside outside the country, lacking the necessary security guarantees to pursue her journalistic work in Mexico.
Women Press Freedom has diligently recorded a concerning array of violations that specifically target women journalists in Mexico. Regrettably, a significant number of these incidents have led to tragic fatalities.
Even with the establishment of a protection mechanism and the assignment of a special prosecutor to investigate assaults on the media, journalists contend that these measures frequently fall short. Obtaining justice continues to be a challenging and elusive endeavor. There is a strong likelihood that the government provides only minimal safeguarding for journalists. Inquiries into these assaults often fail to yield solutions, as investigators may themselves feel intimidated by or be complicit with the offenders.
Women Press Freedom unequivocally stands in solidarity with Lydia Cacho. We vehemently denounce the release of the defendants while they are still on trial for torturing Cacho and present flight risks. Furthermore, we urge the Mexican government to implement robust measures to safeguard press freedom, journalistic integrity, and journalists' safety. Authorities must take decisive action to eradicate impunity and prosecute those responsible for targeting journalists like Cacho. Journalists must be able to fulfill their roles without fear of intimidation or harm.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
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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