One of Mexico's best-known investigative journalists has announced his indefinite retirement after being the target of numerous threats and attacks by gunmen. The journalist was also the target of government hostility after Mexican prosecutors leaked his personal information to drug traffickers.
For over 26 years, Humberto Paget has been one of Mexico's best-known journalists and authors, focusing on organized crime and political corruption. In recent times, his work has been featured on news and radio shows alongside Ciro Gómez Leia, the news anchor and commentator whose constant criticism and exposés have earned him the scorn of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
But earlier this month, Padgett announced he was retiring after years of threats, harassment and attacks against him and his family.
The most recent attack on Padgett took place on September 13 in the town of Cuitzeo, Michoacan, when four gunmen stopped him, pointed rifles at him and stole his vehicle, identification and work tools, according to a report by the press freedom group Article 19.
Details of what happened during the encounter are unclear, but the following day, Padgett announced his retirement from journalism.
According to Reports Padgett, a Knight Center for Journalism alumnus, was also targeted by the government. In June, Mexico City prosecutors arrested him when he came to their offices to ask for clarification on charges he had leaked information about himself to drug traffickers. The investigation into the leak was linked to Padgett's previous articles about Mexico City drug traffickers operating inside the campus of UNAM (Autonomous University of Mexico), and someone in the government reportedly leaked Padgett's information to organized crime, resulting in Padgett being threatened and attacked. Rather than help Padgett or address his concerns, authorities at the time arrested him and took him before a judge, who later released him and dismissed the charges filed by prosecutors.
Ildefonso Ortiz is an award-winning journalist at Breitbart Texas. He co-founded Breitbart Texas' Cartel Chronicles project with Brandon Darby and senior Breitbart management. Twitter and FacebookContact details: email address.
Brandon Darby is Managing Director and Editor in Chief of Breitbart Texas. He co-founded Breitbart Texas' Cartel Chronicles project with Ildefonso Ortiz and other senior Breitbart executives. Twitter and FacebookContact details: email address.
