Western Hemisphere Analysis

36 journalists killed in Latin America since 2011 (Interactive map)

univisionnews:

Impunity is a common thread among those murdered.

By Juan Gastelum

On Thursday, the dismembered bodies of three journalists were found in the Mexican state of Veracruz’s Zamorana canal, bringing the tally of journalist deaths in Latin America to 36 since the beginning of 2011.

The murders of Gabriel Huge, Guillermo Luna, and Esteban Rodríguez are the latest in a string of attacks, presumably related to Mexico’s ongoing bout with narcotraffickers, that have left at least seven members of the media dead in Veracruz in the past year. But they also signal an ongoing crisis in the region, which continues to be one of the most dangerous for journalists.

In 2012 alone, eight have died in the crossfire or been directly targeted by assailants. Many were kidnapped and tortured before they were killed.

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Guatemalan President Perez offered four very different proposals at his drug policy debate yesterday:

1. A stronger crackdown on drugs.
2. US payments per kilo of cocaine seized by the region.
3. A regional court with its own judges and lawyers.
4. Decriminalization of drug trafficking and use.

Only 3 of 6 Central American leaders attended Perez’s event.