Family members, civil society organizations, and Ríodoce demanded that the Mexican government expedite the extradition of Dámaso López Serrano, alias “Mini Lic,” so that he can be tried for the murder of journalist Javier Valdez Cárdenas.
During the commemoration of the ninth anniversary of his death, Javier’s wife, Griselda Triana, read a statement from the family, Propuesta Cívica, Reporters Without Borders, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Article 19, and Ríodoce.
She pointed out that although two people have been sentenced for their involvement in Javier’s murder, the alleged mastermind, “Mini Lic,” has still not faced Mexican justice.
He mentioned that although the Mexican government has expressed its intention to request extradition and submitted an initial request to the United States government in 2020, Mexican authorities have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the initiation of the extradition process.
“The contrast between the institutional agility in intervening in cases of public officials accused by the United States and the lack of will to extradite the mastermind behind Javier’s murder is evident and sends a message of validation toward the violence and impunity that journalists in Mexico experience and suffer,” he stated.
He pointed out that if the extradition treaty between Mexico and the United States represents an agreement between equals, the Mexican government must assert its status as a sovereign nation in all respects, and the demand for Dámaso López Serrano’s extradition must be made forcefully and without further delay.
He indicated that Sinaloa has been experiencing a climate of violence for the past 20 months, which has made journalistic practice more dangerous. Therefore, the Mexican government must take measures to guarantee the safety of journalists by creating a safe environment and strengthening protection mechanisms, as well as ceasing attacks against the critical press.
