Mexico could provide greater protection to journalists against libel: NYT

After lawsuits filed against Mexican journalists, The New York Times asked authorities for new laws to protect them against libel suits in order to freely investigate and report about the ruling class.

In an editorial published yesterday, The New York Times talks about the negative effects of “a recent flurry of specious lawsuits filed against journalists and also a troubling court decision in May that lifted monetary caps on libel damages” are having on investigative reporting and criticism.

In this situation, the newspaper considers that Mexican lawmakers could pass a law making it harder for public officials and other public figures to sue for libel.

The New York Times also said that President Enrique Peña Nieto should endorse such law, after being the target of pay-to-play allegations involving real estate arrangements his family benefited from.

“It would go a long way toward regaining the trust of an electorate he has given plenty of reasons to question his integrity and judgment.” The NYT said.

The newspaper highlights the case of journalist Carmen Aristegui, who was recently sued when she and her colleagues documented an arrangement under which a construction company that had been awarded lucrative government contracts built a mansion for the president’s wife, Angélica Rivera.

Aristegui was fired from MVS group and then sued by the owner, Joaquín Vargas, alleging “moral damages.”

Another case is Humberto Moreira, the former governor of Coahuila, who filed lawsuits in July against two journalists over articles that referred to corruption allegations.