“Silence or Death in Mexico's Press” is the title of the just-released 2010 report from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The report is an accounting of the crisis in freedom of expression and access to information resulting from surging organized crime, violence and corruption.

According to the report, 22 journalists have been killed during the administration of President Felipe Calderón, and at least eight of those deaths have been in direct reprisal for the journalists' work. The situation in Mexico, CPJ said, is the responsibility of the federal government, which should be putting an end to the numerous attacks against freedom of expression.

Beyond dealing with bribery and extortion, reporters have to worry about being put at risk for even just basic reporting on criminal activities. "As vast self-censorship takes hold, Mexico’s future as a free and democratic society is at risk," the report says.

The complete report can be downloaded here (PDF file).

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