Laura Artemisa García Chávez, president of the Congress of Puebla, emphasized the importance of including citizen participation forums in the proposal for regulating journalistic activity in the state. She highlighted the need to review and work carefully on the initiative to ensure a responsible and consensual regulation that respects freedom of expression.
The initial initiative of the "Law on Rights for the Free Exercise of Journalism," presented by Morena deputy, Andrés Villegas Mendoza, generated rejection and controversy. In response, the coordinator of the Morena caucus mentioned that the law would not be promoted immediately, but requires a detailed review and proper finalization.
Academics from various fields, such as Communication and Political Science, expressed their opinions on the regulatory proposal. They highlighted the need for all efforts in this regard to follow democratic paths and be the result of an open parliamentary process. They supported the initiative to recognize and guarantee rights related to journalism but pointed out that the proposal had significant deficiencies and omissions.
In an analysis presented by Ibero Puebla, 14 recommendations were included to improve the initiative. A study by Article 19 was referenced, indicating high rates of violence against journalists and media in Puebla. Between 2018 and 2024, 241 aggressions were registered, which included various types of violence such as intimidation, harassment, among others.
The legislative proposal consists of 45 articles and proposes measures to regulate journalistic work in Puebla. Among the most controversial points is the prohibition of intervening in people's private lives, the obligation not to disseminate false information, and the possibility of establishing training agreements with media.
Experts and academics highlighted the importance of opening a broad debate on the regulation of journalistic activity. A similar proposal in Veracruz was mentioned, which seeks to sanction media that reproduce opinions considered as political violence for gender reasons.
In summary, the proposal to regulate journalists in Puebla has generated diverse opinions and positions, highlighting the need for meticulous review and openness to a broad and democratic dialogue on the issue.
