Héctor Mauleón - Photo latinus.us.
Miami (May 20, 2025) - The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) condemns a judicial action against journalist Héctor de Mauleón and El Universal newspaper, aimed at censoring, restricting, and criminalizing journalistic work. The organization considers that this action, apparently in retaliation for journalistic activity, threatens freedom of expression and press freedom.
The Electoral Tribunal of Tamaulipas approved a resolution imposing precautionary measures against journalist Mauleón and El Universal, following the publication on May 1 of the opinion column “Huachicol and judicial power in Tamaulipas”, which denounced alleged links between politicians and corruption networks in the state, according to the Alianza de Medios MX organization that condemned the action.
José Roberto Dutriz, president of IAPA and general director and CEO of La Prensa Gráfica from El Salvador, emphasized that “the measure clearly intends to censor, through judicial intimidation, the journalist and the newspaper, for reporting and opining on a matter of public interest.”
Martha Ramos, president of the IAPA Committee on Freedom of the Press and Information and director of Organización Editorial Mexicana (OEM), added that “in addition to putting a brake on opinions that may be uncomfortable for those aspiring to public office, it restricts and criminalizes journalistic activity. The resolution sets a negative precedent for freedom of expression and press freedom in Mexico.”
As explained by Mauleón, the Tribunal's precautionary measures against him and El Universal include the immediate withdrawal of the publication, refraining from issuing new publications or statements linking Supreme Electoral Tribunal candidate Tania Contreras with criminal activities or individuals. Non-compliance with the measures could result in fines or arrest. The newspaper decided to keep the column.
IAPA executives recalled that the Declaration of Chapultepec establishes, in its first principle, that “The exercise of this freedom is not something authorities grant, it is an inalienable right of the people,” and adds in its second article that “Every person has the right to seek and receive information, express opinions and disseminate them freely. No one may restrict or deny these rights.”
The IAPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of the press and expression in the Americas. It comprises more than 1,300 publications from the western hemisphere and is based in Miami, Florida, United States.