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-Editorial
Journalist Dianeth Pérez Arreola, director of Brújula News, has been cited by the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) after raising questions about a public works contract during a recent press conference with Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda.
During the August 6 briefing in Mexicali, Pérez Arreola asked the governor about an alleged double bidding process for the Tecate water treatment plant and possible links between the winning company and organized crime. Days later, the journalist received a formal notification from the FGR, though she had not been accused of any crime.
Press freedom organizations have expressed concern, interpreting the action as a warning to reporters who ask difficult questions. Pérez Arreola herself described the citation as an attempt to discourage critical inquiry.
In response, Pérez Arreola submitted a formal request to obtain the construction contracts for “La Nopalera” before attending her scheduled appointment with the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) on Aug. 18.
In response, the Baja California government denied that the measure constitutes censorship or intimidation. Secretary General of Government Alfredo Álvarez Cárdenas issued a statement affirming the administration’s commitment to legality and freedom of expression.
According to the statement, the referral to the FGR was made to ensure an impartial investigation of the journalist’s claim that the company involved had ties to organized crime, a matter under federal jurisdiction. Álvarez Cárdenas added that the State Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Secretariat has also opened an internal review of the bidding process.
The FGR has requested documentation from the Baja California Water Management Secretariat (SEPROA) and the Tecate State Public Services Commission (CESPTE), which has been delivered for review. Officials stated that the investigation will remain confidential to avoid compromising proceedings.
“The seriousness of the allegation requires all parties to provide the necessary information to clarify the facts,” Álvarez Cárdenas said, reiterating that the state government “upholds the rule of law and respects the fundamental freedoms of citizens, particularly freedom of expression.”
Critics argue that the citation of Pérez Arreola reflects a broader pattern by the administration of Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, which has been repeatedly accused of attempting to intimidate media outlets perceived as critical of her government. Most recently, the dismissal of journalist Gustavo Macalpin from Channel 66 was allegedly carried out under pressure from state authorities, adding to concerns about press freedom in Baja California.
Observers also note that the governor’s press conferences appear structured to favor outlets supportive of her administration, while limiting opportunities for independent journalists to pose challenging questions on sensitive issues.