Press release July 14, 2016
Mexican Journalist Sergio Aguayo Sued by Ex-Governor
Humberto Moreira, former Governor of Coahuila, Mexico, is suing journalist Sergio Aguayo for alleged "moral damages."
Washington
In response to lawsuit being filed against Mexican journalist Sergio Aguayo by Humberto Moreira, former Governor of Coahuila, Freedom House issued the following statement:
"It is unacceptable to use civil and even criminal charges to intimidate journalists, as in the case of the lawsuit against Sergio Aguayo,” said Carlos Ponce, director for Latin America programs. “These actions are part of a systematic effort to silence dissident voices around the country.”
Background:
On July 15, a former governor of the Mexican state of Coahuila, Humberto Moreira, sued journalist Sergio Aguayo for alleged “moral damages,” because of an article Aguayo published on January 20 by two newspapers (Reforma and El Siglo de Torreón). Moreira alleges the article’s use of the words “corrupt” and “impunity” affected his reputation.
Authorities in Spain have detained Moreira, for investigation into allegations of money laundering and links to organized crime.
Mexico is rated Partly Free in Freedom in the World 2016, Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2015, and Partly Free in Freedom on the Net 2015.