Dismissal of Two Mexican Journalists Draws Accusation of Attack on Media
MEXICO CITY—A leading Mexican journalist who uncovered an alleged conflict of interest involving the purchase of a mansion by the wife of President Enrique Peña Nieto said Friday that the firing of two members of her investigative team is an attack on press freedom.
Daniel Lizárraga and Irving Huerta, collaborators of investigative journalist and radio host Carmen Aristegui, were fired Thursday by broadcaster Noticias MVS, the company confirmed.
The men’s dismissal came just days after the investigative team headed by Ms. Aristegui joined with five other Mexican media outlets and two civic groups to launch Mexicoleaks, a website to which would-be whistleblowers can send tips about alleged official corruption and other news.
Noticias MVS said in a statement that the men were fired for linking the company to the Mexicoleaks project without authorization. The Mexicoleaks website lists the “Aristegui Unit/MVS” as one of its six media sponsors.
…The president’s office didn’t respond to requests for comment about the firing of the two journalists and Ms. Aristegui’s assertions….