National Human Rights Commission Hails Repeal of Sinaloa State 'Gag Law' The News
go to original September 5, 2014

Press rights groups had denounced the measure, particularly since Sinaloa is one of the most crime-ridden states in Mexico and the traditional base of the powerful Sinaloa cartel. (Enrique Serrato)

The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) applauded the Sinaloa state congress for its repeal of Article 51 Bis of the Law of the Attorney General of Sinaloa.

The legislation, also known as the “Gag Law,” prohibited the media from accessing information to criminal investigations. Journalists were not allowed to take photos, audio or video of suspects or those present at the scene of the crime, nor were they allowed to do any type of reporting at the crime scene. They were also not allowed to interview public officials regarding the investigations or the crimes. They were only allowed to print the material from the official press releases put out by the prosecutor’s office.

While those in favor of the bill argued it was necessary to comply with federal judicial reforms, many thought that to be an excuse.

Gov. Mario López Valdez, who proposed the bill, said that the law was “to provide conditions to guarantee a free and safe exercise of the profession.” Journalists felt that it was an attack on the freedom of the press.

The law was passed unanimously on July 30, yet it quickly met protests by journalists in Sinaloa and other parts of Mexico. Journalists took to the streets and to social media alerting the public about the restrictions being put in place.

Some Sinaloa lawmakers later admitted they did not read the entire bill.

Read the rest at The News

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