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New York, June 23, 2000 — According to local and international news reports,, unidentified gunmen attacked Lilly Téllez, news host at Mexico’s second-largest TV network, in Mexico City yesterday.
Téllez, host of the “Hechos del Siete” (Channel Seven News) program on TV Azteca in Mexico City, was attacked at around 10 p.m., minutes after she wrapped up her broadcast and left the office in a chauffeur-driven car that was followed by two bodyguards in another car.
When the two vehicles stopped at the Periférico Sur and Boulevard de la Luz intersection, they were showered with bullets fired from the sidewalk by at least three men.
Téllez escaped uninjured, but her two bodyguards, who tried to repel the aggressors, were hit by bullets. Her chauffeur was also wounded. All remain hospitalized in stable condition.
The two bodyguards were contracted by TV Azteca after Téllez claimed to have been threatened by drug traffickers because of her reporting. The motive for yesterdayÕs attack remains unclear.
“CPJ condemns this attempt against a journalist’s life,” said deputy director Joel Simon. “As the July 2 presidential and legislative elections near, Mexican authorities must ensure that all journalists in the country are able to work without fear of violence. CPJ calls for a prompt and thorough investigation into the attack on Lilly Téllez, and urges Mexican authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
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