Mexico: CFWIJ condemns physical assault against Vianca Trevino by the police

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April 22, 2021, Nuevo Leon - Correspondent for Multimedios Television, Vianca Maleny Trevino Nevejar, was assaulted by police and detained in the early morning on Friday, April 9. The journalist was tightly grabbed by the wrist as police put her in the van. They took her phone and wristwatch and kept pressing her to reveal her password. The journalist was on assignment for covering an assault incident at a beverage store with her cameraman, Raul Zuniga when she was confronted by the police. When police saw Vianca reporting on the spot, they immediately cordoned off the area. Police officers accused Vianca of disrespecting the space, crossing the yellow tape and taking pictures. We stand in solidarity with the journalist and urge the law enforcement authorities of Mexico City to conduct a thorough investigation and hold the police officials accountable. 

Vianca shared in her statement with Article 19 and mentioned that she did not take any pictures but as a journalist, she had the right to record any public service agent and security official during the exercise of their job. She also highlights that she tried to explain this to police officers but they did not believe her and kept pushing her to reveal her password. Upon her refusal, they handcuffed her and took her headquarters at San Bernabe Station. The journalist was threatened by the police. Once they reached the police station, officers collected Vianca’s personal information and told her that she was being charged for administrative offences. Journalist Andres Villalobos shared the video from the time of Vianca's arrest on his Twitter.

At the time of her arrest, when cameraman Raul Zuniga tried to record the scene, a police officer grabbed him too and pushed his camera downwards so he would stop recording. Reportedly detention of Vianca lasted for 45 minutes and her handcuffs were removed on the orders of an officer. Due to the forceful arrest and tight handcuffs, Vianca got her wrist badly bruised. She went to the hospital where doctors advised her some medicine to apply on her wrist injuries for fifteen days.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns this blatant and unjustified use of authority by the police. We demand an immediate investigation to determine why Vianca Trevino was detained. We support the journalist and hope that authorities investigate this violation against her.