MEXICO: CPJ concerned about missing crime reporter

April 14, 2005

TO: Abel Murrieta Gutiérrez
Attorney General of the State of Sonora
Hermosillo, Sonora

Via facsimile: 52-662-259-4805

Dear Attorney General:

The Committee to Protect Journalists would like to express its concern about the fate of Alfredo Jiménez Mota, a Mexican crime reporter for the Hermosillo-based daily El Imparcial, who has been missing since April 2.

As you know, Jiménez disappeared from his home in the city of Hermosillo in the northwestern state of Sonora at about 9 p.m. on April 2. That night, he called a colleague at El Imparcial to say that he was going to meet with one of his contacts, according to Juan F. Healy, president and general director of the daily. Jiménez told his colleague that the contact was "very nervous." No one has heard from Jiménez since that call.

Jiménez, 25, lives alone in Hermosillo and has been working with El Imparcial for the last six months. Police said that none of his belongings were taken and nothing was disturbed.

Recent articles of Jiménez have investigated drug-trafficking families in the region. Sonora prosecutors have linked his disappearance with his journalistic work.

According to CPJ's recent research, Mexico's northern states have become one of the most hazardous places in Latin America for journalists to practice their profession. Journalists like Jiménez, who cover crime and drug trafficking, are particularly vulnerable.

We are worried about our colleague's safety. We urge you to conduct a timely and thorough investigation, locate Jiménez, and bring him to safety. CPJ will be monitoring the investigation and respectfully asks that you make available to us any information you might have regarding this case.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We await your response.

Sincerely,

Ann Cooper
Executive Director