Lydia Cacho is a Mexican journalist and human rights defender. In 2005, she published a book denouncing a paedophile network in which businessmen and high profile politicians were involved. The book received significant attention throughout the country and Cacho became a target for reprisals. Initially, this took the form of abusive legal action – a criminal libel suit was taken out against her – but she was also illegally detained and tortured. She has been subjected to ongoing threats and harassment.
MLDI provided backing to the Mexican branch of the freedom of expression group, Article 19, to take up her case and bring a complaint to the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission issued an interim ruling in 2009 ordering the Mexican government to take protective measures, and Article 19 is now working with the government to implement those measures and investigate her complaints of illegal detention and torture.
Recent News
Landmark Ruling: Kenya’s High Court Declares Colonial-era Subversion Laws Unconstitutional
Media Defence welcomes the verdict of the High Court in Nakuru, striking down sections of the Kenyan Penal Code which criminalise subversion, citing them as relics of colonial oppression that curtail freedom of expression. Justice Samwel Mohochi, delivering the judgment, asserted that these provisions were overly broad and vague, stifling dissent rather than serving any […]
UN Rapporteurs Call for Protection of Brazilian Journalist Schirlei Alves
UN Rapporteurs Call for Protection of Brazilian Journalist Schirlei Alves Amid Defamation Charges Stemming from Rape Trial Coverage A letter dispatched by UN rapporteurs to the Brazilian Government calls for protective measures for women journalists covering cases of sexual crimes. The letter also denounces the conviction of Brazilian investigative journalist and women’s rights defender, Schirlei […]
Convite à apresentação de candidaturas: Cirurgia de litígio em português na África Subsariana
Cirurgia de litígio em português na África Subsariana Aplique aqui 23 a 25 de julho de 2024 em Nairobi, Quénia Prazo: 3 de maio A Media Defence está a convidar advogados sediados na África Subsariana que falem português a candidatarem-se a participar numa próxima cirurgia de litígio sobre o direito à liberdade de expressão e […]