Wherever You Are, I Will Find You: This Was The Threat That ‘El Mencho’ Used To Try To Silence Azucena Uresti.

Mica for cartelinsider.com

“Do not lean to one side, do not carry problems that do not belong to you because I have never attacked any newscast. If you keep throwing accusations at me, I assure you that wherever you are, I will find you and make you eat your words, even if they accuse me of femicide because they do not know me, Rubén Oseguera Cervantes,” was the message that made Azucena Uresti go through difficult moments during her 20-year career as a journalist.

During 2021, Azucena Uresti received death threats through a video shared on social media, where an individual claiming to represent Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho”, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), directly intimidated her and criticized various media outlets. The incident occurred in the early morning of August 9, 2021. It raised concerns among multiple sectors of society, including politicians such as former president Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong, and journalistic organizations.

The video shows armed men, and in it, the alleged emissary of the CJNG launches a severe criticism against Milenio, El Universal, Televisa, and other media for the supposed imbalance in news coverage. He also accused the media of receiving financing from self-defense groups, whom he labeled as disguised drug traffickers, challenging the government’s perception of these organizations.

In addition, the threat was extended to the presenter of Milenio, alluding to retaliation if she continues her critical stance towards the CJNG, in words attributed to El Mencho.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has described Mexican cartels as influential in drug trafficking, singling out the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco Cartel as powerful organizations despite the imprisonment of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

The President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, showed his support for the journalist Azucena Uresti after she was intimidated by alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This incident occurred during the morning press conference, known popularly as the “mañanera.” “She is not alone,” the President assured, guaranteeing his support and the necessary protection measures against the threat.

López Obrador highlighted that faced with the seriousness of the intimidation against the journalist, he ordered them to provide the necessary assistance to guarantee her safety. The solidarity expressed by the President seeks to send a clear message of support for freedom of expression and journalism in the country. The presidential reaction sets an important precedent in protecting media professionals from threats by criminal groups.

In his statement, the President expressed moral support for Uresti and committed state resources for his protection. However, no specific details were given about the actions to be implemented. Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries for practicing journalism, making protecting reporters a priority for authorities. The support expressed by the Mexican leader reflects efforts to mitigate the risks journalists face in their daily work.

The context of this threat is part of a series of challenges faced by the media in Mexico from organized crime, which has generated increasing concern for the safety of journalists and workers in the sector.

López Obrador’s statement highlighted the issue’s relevance in the national agenda and the government’s commitment to the rights and protection of at-risk journalists.

This incident was recorded in the memories of viewers, and the journalist remembers it today as one of the many things that expose the lives of journalists every day.

Thanks for reading!

Mica

Email: mica@cartelinsider.com

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