Death Threats Against Tijuana Journalist Spark Urgent Call for Protection

Tijuana Journalist Faces Death Threats: Article 19 Demands Action Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico – Adela Navarro Bello, co-director of the investigative weekly newspaper Zeta, has become the target of anonymous death threats. The threats, delivered via phone calls on April 29th and May 16th, prompted the international press freedom organization Article 19 to issue a public statement demanding an immediate investigation and protection for Ms. Navarro and her colleagues. "We demand that the Mexican state launch an urgent and thorough investigation," stated Article 19 in a tweet. The organization highlighted the threats' seriousness, emphasizing the need for swift action to safeguard Ms. Navarro's safety and uphold press freedom. The threats followed Zeta's publication of a report detailing alleged links between government officials and criminal organizations. A banner mentioning Zeta appeared in Tijuana in December 2024, further underscoring the potential connection between the report and the threats. The El Mexicano newspaper voiced its support for Zeta, condemning the attacks against Ms. Navarro and her team. The incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by journalists in Mexico who investigate sensitive topics. The lack of clear responses from the Baja California Attorney General's Office and the Citizen Security Secretariat is a cause for concern.