Mexico: CFWIJ welcomes the arrest of ex-governor who tortured journalist Lydia Cacho

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February 5, 2021- Journalist Lydia Cacho was tortured 14 years ago on the orders of former governor Mario Marin for exposing his crimes. Lydia was tortured on the 20-hour long drive in police custody following her arrest. In her book “Demons Of The Eden”, Lydia had revealed the involvement of the ex-governor in running the networks of human trafficking and child pornography. 

In 2005, Lydia published Demons of Eden exploring the child pornography and human trafficking ring in the country. She accused powerful businessman Jose Kamal Nacif of running these networks. Nacif filed a defamation case against the journalist and reportedly engaged his friend, then-governor Mario Marin to pressurize Lydia into retracting her claims. 

Lydia was apprehended by police in Cancun. The journalist was tortured during a 20-hour long drive. In 2007 a supreme court decision cleared the governor’s name his alleged involvement in the pedophilia and trafficking networks and dropped all charges. According to Lydia, Olga Sanchez who was supreme court justice at the time deliberately favoured Marin in the courtroom despite the evidence against him. On February 4, 2021, Olga Sanchez, now interior secretary, came forward to admit that Lydia faced “violations” of her rights and endured “psychological torture.”

CFWIJ spoke to Leopoldo Maldonado, a lawyer with the Artículo 19 and a representative of Lydia Cacho. “This is undoubtedly a historic moment for Mexican justice and for the elimination of impunity for violence against women journalists”, he stated. 

Arrest warrants for Mario Marín, businessman Kamel Nacif and the former director of the Judicial Police of Puebla, Hugo Karam, were issued in the wake of harrowing torture committed against Lydia Cacho in 2005. “We will be awaiting a decision on whether or not Marín will be brought to trial”, explained Leopoldo. In the latter scenario, ex-governor Mario Marín could be sentenced to up to 12 years in prison. 

Lydia Cacho Lydia remains in exile due to the attacks perpetrated against her 18 months ago and incited by the arrest warrants issued in April 2019. “Lydia is motivated and hopeful by the recent arrest of Marín after a long process of seeking justice. However, she does not consider returning until she has assessed her risk once the judicial proceedings have been completed”, explains Leopoldo in conversation with CFWIJ. 

Since the risk of further retaliation remains high, Lydia’s legal representation will be urging the Federal Judiciary to provide security guarantees to judges and magistrates. 
The journalist says that she faces more danger than ever but this shall not stop her quest for justice. She is going to ask for at least 20 years imprisonment for the ex-governor. Lydia shared on Twitter, “There are no more luxury parties, nor girls turned victims at the hands of the pederasts. There is no toast nor celebration. Journalism is the way toward justice.”

The Coalition For Women In Journalism welcomes the arrest of ex-governor, Mario Marin. We hope to see justice finally be served for Lydia Cacho after fourteen years. We urge law enforcement authorities in Mexico to take urgent steps to ensure press safety in the country.