Media intimidation working in Mexico

AP/Houston Chronicle:

A newspaper in the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora is shutting down temporarily after being attacked and threatened by criminal gangs. It appeared to be the first action of its kind in a country where numerous journalists have recently died or disappeared as drug traffickers intensify their battle against the government.

Mario Vazquez Rana, president of the Mexican Editorial Organization — a company that owns 70 newspapers, 24 radio stations, a television station and 43 Web sites — announced the closure of the newspaper Cambio Sonora in a letter posted on the publication's Web site Thursday.

Last week, assailants tossed a hand grenade from a passing car at the offices of the newspaper, located in Hermosillo, following a similar attack in April.

The attacks caused only minor damage and no known injuries, but threats against newspaper employees continue and state officials have done nothing to help, Vazquez said.

...
Like head chopping the Mexican insurgents are copying techniques used by al Qaeda in Iraq. Adopting the wickedness of that group will further alienate the drug insurgents and increase the popularity of President Calderon who is fighting them. The people will recognize who is on their side.

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