Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are the entire liberty to fully express one's opinions about certain topics and political situations that happen in our country. Most countries exercise this system to keep their citizens informed about the important events that go on in their countries, but sadly, freedom of the press has become more and more restricted and limited.
Venezuela, Cuba, and now Mexico are some of the countries who have shut down their press when convenient. This means that they prohibit the distribution and exposure of certain content. For example, Venezuela closed down one of their biggest and most recognized cable television networks, RCTV, under the instruction of their then-president Hugo Chavez. This has caused many people to lose their jobs. It’s been nearly 10 years since RCTV closed their doors, causing people’s anger and disillusionment. Many anchors, journalists, actors, and TV personalities have been forced to migrate to other countries to look for better opportunities. To this day, Venezuela’s media is controlled by the government, who approves or disapproves the content that is delivered. It’s not a secret that Venezuela has become one of the most dangerous countries worldwide, but it has mainly become a killing ground for those who publicly speak against the government.
Another country who is facing the constant limitation in their media in the hands of the corrupt government is Mexico. Mexico is not only facing the ravaging growth of drug expansion but now has to face the intervention of government in the media’s freedom of speech. After a direct accusation by many journalists toward the government and many of their representatives of being corrupted and being involved in the many killings in the hands of drug lords, the media has become more restrained and selective of the content they share with their people. Many journalists have publicly spoken of the insecurity they face on the daily basis while being in their work field. In recent years, Mexico has lost many of their journalists in the hands of organized crime. Politicians have publicly declared war against the media and, in most cases, are oblivious and apathetic to these murders.
A few years ago, Anabel Hernández, a renamed journalist and now writer, published a book named "Narcoland," which gives a glimpse of this macabre world of crime and betrayal. For years, she was threatened by drug lords and politicians who, in their attempts of intimidation, tried to make her resist her idea of exposing the bribes and inequalities of the government. This book exposes the cruel reality of drugs and cartels. This book is actually a recollection of interviews of former drug barons, politicians, infiltrated cops, witnesses, and victims. The book was indeed published and it exposed many of the former officials who at that time held very high and important positions in government. The book helped with the capture of many traffickers and corrupt governors. Anabel was forced to vanish from the public. She now lives a quiet and anonymous life. She rarely gives interviews as a way to protect herself and her family.
Sadly, our lives have been negatively influenced by violence and blood, but we cannot let this stop us from exposing the truth.
