MEXICO CITY (Reuters] – Mexican journalists have started nationwide protests on Tuesday in condemnation of the murders last week of three reporters. They are demanding that the impunity which has so often characterized their deaths be ended.

These protests are in response to the death of Lourdes Madonado, an experienced journalist. It happened on Sunday three years ago after she had raised the topic of killings with President Andres Lopez Obrador.

In Puebla, protesters placed flowers and candles along with signs saying “I’m mad at censorship”. Television footage also showed that in Chihuahua the wall was erected by protesters.

Israel Ibarra is the President of Baja California’s communications college. He said that government and society would not be complicit in Maldonado’s death and in “the killing of freedom of speech in Mexico”.

Mexico is one the most dangerous countries in which to work as a journalist, with 145 of them being killed from 2000 to 2021 according Article 19, an advocacy organization.

Mexican journalist networks voted in favor of the organizing of the events, which coincide with online protests.

Article 19 released a statement saying that it was urgent for the federal and state authorities to prevent terrorist attacks and help journalists who are hurt, as well as investigate any crimes committed against press freedom with diligence.

Maldonado was murdered in Tijuana at the border of Mexico, where she had been working for years. This murder came after the deaths of two Mexican journalists earlier this month.

Lopez Obrador has been criticised for failing to do more to protect journalists. He said that his government will investigate the crime and clear it up to stop further journalist murders.

Critics believe Lopez Obrador is not fulfilling his promises to lessen violence, fight deeply embedded organized crime and reduce impunity. According to Lopez Obrador, crime and violence result from inequality and chronic corruption.