Logo La Derechadiario US
ES
Logo X
Two people appear in the image, one on the left with a serious expression and the other on the right talking on the phone, with a pink logo and the word "CENSORED" overlaid.
They seek to censor Código Magenta | Camara La Derecha Diario
MEXICO

Aspirant for magistrate attempts to silence Código Magenta in Tamaulipas.

Tania Contreras López, current candidate for magistrate, sued the media for alleged slander without refuting the reports

by

Editorial Team

Amid the renewal process of the Judicial Power in Tamaulipas, the digital outlet Código Magenta reported a concerning attempt at censorship.Tania Contreras López, former legal advisor of the state and current candidate for magistrate, leads the lawsuit.

Contreras reported the outlet and its editorial director, Rodrigo Carbajal, for alleged slander  and  gender-based political violence. However,  none of the outlet's publications have been refuted.

At least ten judicial notifications have been made in less than two weeks at the Código Magenta newsroom and Carbajal's personal residence. Even though the electoral authority of Tamaulipas  has no jurisdiction outside the state.

A man with glasses and slicked-back hair appears in a broadcast with a red and white background.
The renowned journalist, Ramón Alberto Garza | La Derecha Diario

Censorship instead of clarifications

The reason behind the attempt to silence the outlet is clear: Código Magenta has revealed sensitive family and political relationships of Contreras López.

Among them, her connection with Juan José Contreras, a former mayor linked to the Pedro J. Méndez Armed Column, an arm of the Gulf Cartel. Also, her brother-in-law, Juan Carlos Madero Larios, was pointed out by the SEDENA  in an official letter for alleged customs corruption.

Far from offering explanations,  the candidate demands that all publications mentioning her be removed. Additionally, she demands that the outlet refrain from speaking about her again until after the election.

Two people at a press conference, surrounded by several microphones from different media outlets.
Tania Contreras is a close friend of the Morena-affiliated governor, Américo Villarreal, who is being investigated by US authorities | La Derecha Diario

A court tailored: family ties and influence peddling.

The case has escalated to the Electoral Court of Tamaulipas, where four of the five magistrates have direct ties to Tania Contreras. Two of them were even appointed irregularly and without Senate ratification. One of the magistrates is her first cousin, and another was a subordinate of her husband.

Legal experts already warn that  the crime of influence peddling could be established, while the candidate continues to not refute any of the allegations made by the outlet.

Journalists with cameras and signs that say
Violence against journalists in Mexico is on the rise | La Derecha Diario

Freedom of expression under attack

This case is a serious precedent for free journalism in Mexico. An attempt at censorship  like this allows political and criminal power groups to dictate what the press can or can't publish. 

Código Magenta reiterated that it will defend itself legally and will not be silenced, because silencing it is silencing the citizenry.

➡️ Mexico

More posts: