Over 40% Feel Journalists’ Killings in Mexico Have To Do With Profession

Violence and crimes against journalists have been on the rise. 15 journalists were killed in just 2022 in Mexico, making it one of the most dangerous countries for the profession. The reasons for the killing are unknown, but journalists and media personnel have taken to the streets seeking justice for the killed journalists and protecting the existing ones. However, the killings continue.

Crimes have become a reflection of society. Thus, Real Research launched a survey on journalist killings in Mexico to see what the public has to say about the killings, possible motives, solutions, etc. See what the survey respondents had to say in the survey findings below.

Highlights:

• 40.6% say Mexican journalist Juan Arjon Lopez’s killing had definitely to do with his profession
• 31.32% feel journalist killings occur every year due to conflict/contradiction with mass interests
• 37.08% say strikes and protests are highly likely to resolve killings against journalists

The Killing of journalist Juan Arjon Lopez

Among the journalist killings in Mexico, one was Juan Arjon Lopez’s and the most recent, making it the 14th killing in 2022. Accordingly, the survey on journalist killings in Mexico starts by asking about respondents’ awareness of Lopez’s killing. 50.81% are well aware, whereas 24.84% have heard about it but are unaware of the details. 24.35%, however, say no.

The survey then asks if respondents are aware of the other journalist killings in Mexico in 2022. 39.1% are well aware of them, whereas 26.52% are only aware of some of them. However, 15.58% say they are aware of only Lopez’s, leaving 18.81% unaware of the killings at all.

Upon investigating, prosecutors said there was no evidence to suggest the motive for the attack against Lopez. However, the team is seeking to investigate whether Lopez’s profession had anything to do with the attack. When asked whether respondents feel the killings had to do with his profession, 40.6% said ‘yes, definitely,’ whereas 17.85% said ‘probably,’ and 20.35% remained neutral. However, 11.45% feel the profession most definitely does not have to do with the killing.

Reasons for Journalist Killings in Mexico

Despite the rapidly increasing number of journalist killings in Mexico, prosecutors were unable to find the motives behind the killings. The survey, however, asks respondents, “Why do journalists keep getting killed in Mexico?” 31.32% feel it is because the journalists conflict with mass interests, whereas 14.28% feel due to the increase in illegal activities, and 11.31% suggest “negative reporting.”

In contrast, 9.74% feel journalists’ reports threaten the ideologies of various parties, while 8.09% suggest the killings are a way of silencing journalists about the happenings in the city.

The killings have raised questions and concerns about the safety of journalists covering events that can bring them potential harm. Accordingly, the survey asked how important is journalists’ safety when reporting events. In response, 42.47% believe journalists’ safety is very important, whereas 15.51% say it is important, leaving 21.28% neutral. However, 9.83% say it is unimportant, and 10.91% say it is unimportant at all.

When asked whether journalists and media personnel get sufficient safety and protection, 32.46% say highly likely, whereas 22.58% are neutral. In contrast, 9.86% say it is highly unlikely that journalists and media personnel get sufficient protection.

Also Read: Survey on Risks and Challenges Faced by Journalists Reporting From War Zones

Effective Way to Ensure the Safety of Journalists and Reporters

The survey on the journalist killings in Mexico also asked for the most effective way to ensure the safety of journalists and reporters. To this, 37.36% suggest ensuring top safety when covering events, whereas 14.61% suggest implementing stricter laws for any harm caused to journalists and reporters. Moreover, 11.04% also suggest implementing precautionary measures to ensure journalists’ safety.

A further 10.47% suggest strong international laws to protect journalists and reporters, and 10.6% suggest ensuring prompt emergency responses for the safety of journalists.

In response to the journalist killings in Mexico, citizens have taken to the streets to voice their concerns and protect media professionals. The survey then asks if these strikes and protests would resolve violence against journalists. 37.08% say highly likely, and 16.2% said likely. However, 12.01% feel it is highly unlikely that the protests would be effective.

Lastly, the survey asks if journalists should continue covering risky events and locations. In response, 42% say they absolutely should, whereas 14.01% say yes, as they are vital events that need to be covered, whereas a further 14.01% also say yes, provided there are improved safety conditions. 10.25% say no as their lives are important. Lastly, 9.93% say it is not worth the risk to journalists’ lives.