Sunday, September 7, 2008

Censorship: a threat to libertad (freedom) September 4, 2008




If taking part in the march, Iluminemos Mexico (Light up Mexico), was not enough to delve into the politics of Mexico, going to the screening of "Voces Silenciadas, Libertad Amenezada" (Silenced Voices, Threatened Liberty) fulfilled that need. The focus of the documentary was on the right to information and means of communication. One of the most poignant messages was that in order for Mexico to consider itself a democracy, journalists must be granted the right to report freely and the people must have the access to credible news sources.



Brigitte, my Canadian roommate, who is a news correspondent for Radio and TV Canada gave me the invitation. She insisted that I go see one of her favorite Mexican news correspondents who was going to be in attendance: Carmen Aristegui. Aristegui was one of the most widely listened to voices in Mexico. Bloggers said that she, "gave the voice to those who do not have a voice." I use the past tense here because seven months ago her contract with W Radio was not renewed. W Radio happens to be owned by two powerful companies that have a lot of pull in the media: Grupo Televisa and Spain's, Grupo Prisa. In other words, they took her off the air and silenced the critical voice of Mexico.


Within a week, Mexico City, has shown me the meaning of solidarity and consciousness-raising. The people here are aware of what is going on around them in terms of the political scene. And, when the general public is not satisfied with the current state of the government, people come together and make a stand.


Is asking for peace and freedom of the press too much?

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