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November 14, 2025 – Mexico –
Mexican independent journalist Rodolfo Franco has reported a campaign of threats, cyber-attacks, and legal harassment following publication of a major investigation targeting Jesús Figueroa Ortega, the former Attorney-General of the state of Aguascalientes.
Franco’s investigation revealed alleged irregularities tied to Figueroa Ortega’s term in office. Shortly after the first installment of his exposé went live, he says his platform “Rodolfo Franco Informa” suffered a major hack, his investigative files were compromised, and new legal proceedings were opened against him. He asserts that these actions are part of a coordinated effort by Figueroa Ortega’s political network to silence and intimidate him.
In response to the threats, Franco has requested protection from the Mexican federal Mechanism for the Protection of Journalists under the Ministry of the Interior. He is currently under guard with four bodyguards deployed, indicating the severity of the risk he faces.
The case underscores the perilous environment for investigative journalists in Mexico, where exposure of official corruption often invites retaliation through both digital and judicial channels. Media-freedom advocates say Franco’s situation illustrates how the tools of legal process and cyber-intrusion are used as weapons against press scrutiny.
Franco’s predicament adds to the long‐running pattern of threats, harassment, and violence faced by journalists in Mexico—particularly those reporting on public officials ‘ misconduct and abuse of power. These dynamics contribute to self-censorship, reduced transparency, and weakened accountability.
For the “Targeting Journalists is a Crime” initiative, Franco’s case signals several urgent issues: the escalation from hacking to formal prosecution, the interplay between political figures and media suppression, and the vital importance of credible protective mechanisms for journalists under threat. There remains a pressing need for authorities not only to investigate the original allegations revealed by Franco but also to ensure full protection and legal redress for the journalist himself.
reference –
Mexican journalist reports threats and persecution following investigation into former prosecutor
