Without Fear, Favor or Threats

Public officials in a democratic society know they are subject to public scrutiny and sometimes harsh criticism, whether they like it or not. They also know that the press must be able to carry out its watchdog role without interference. But in ever more democratic Mexico, there are still some politicians who have not gotten the word. Take, for instance, the former head of Mexico City’s government, Rosario Robles.

Last month, Robles filed criminal charges against the publisher and a reporter of the respected Mexico City daily Reforma. Robles claims she was defamed by an article about failures in city government during her administration, which ended Dec. 5.

Reporter Carolina Pavon wrote a piece in April based on a report by the government auditor’s office that concluded that about $643 million in public funds were unaccounted for during the Robles administration. The news article did not in any way suggest that Robles herself took the money. It merely stated that the new administration found “irregularities” in accounting procedures--things like failure to provide proper receipts.

Robles is a newcomer to politics and, like many other Mexican politicians, a novice at upholding democratic principles. She may not fully realize the chill to democracy that comes from charging a journalist with a criminal offense simply for publishing news.

In the long run, Mexican law should be changed to move libel actions into the civil courts rather than the criminal courts. But in this case, if Robles fails to withdraw her charges the prosecutor’s office can and should dismiss them.