Mexico: CFWIJ is appalled by the abduction and robbery faced by journalist Teresa Montaño

September 2, 2021- Teresa Montaño, a prominent collaborator for Proceso and the Heraldo De México, was briefly abducted, followed by robbery at her residence. Reportedly, the journalist hired a taxi to travel from Juarez to Lerdo on Friday afternoon. Upon settling in the taxi, three unknown people were already inside. They threatened her with a weapon and took her mobile phone and bank cards. The assailants then moved the car towards her residence. The CFWIJ is horrified by the details of the abduction and attempted robbery targeting Teresa. We demand law enforcement to immediately investigate the culprits behind the crime. 

According to sources, the kidnappers first stole the journalist’s personal belongings before moving to her residence. There, they stole her work-related documents, computers and searched the rest of the house. Teresa has since filed a legal complaint about the investigation and its progress. So far, the details revealed that the governor of Mexico, Alfredo del Mazo, was in contact with the journalist. There has been no public condemnation from the municipal president of Zinacantepec, Gustavo Vargas, nor from the head of the human rights commission, Myrna Garcia. 

The Association of Journalists of the state of Mexico, the National Congress of Indigenous Communication, and the Citizen Gender Observatory have also condemned the tactical victimization of Teresa for her fact-based reporting. 

Teresa's daughter shared in a Facebook post, "My mother was kidnapped at gunpoint, and she was released three hours later. Her work and bank cards were stolen. They also looted the house. A month ago, my brother was robbed, and two months ago, I faced a robbery attempt and ran away. I escaped because I was fortunate, but who knows the luck." She further said it is an unfortunate reality for journalists who prioritize truth. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is horrified by the severity of persecution against Teresa Montaño. We demand an in-depth investigation into this kidnapping and robbery attempt. We hope the law enforcement will utilize their resources to identify and apprehend the assailants behind the attack. The CFWIJ stands in solidarity with Teresa Montaño through this distressing time.