June 20, 2006
Posted: July 17, 2006
Manuel Acuña López, ¡Por Esto!
HARRASSED
Acuña’s car was set on fire while parked inside the garage beside his home. Acuña, a journalist for the Mérida-based daily ¡Por Esto!, has reported on government corruption in Mérida and criticized local authorities.
Acuña and his family were awakened by a loud rumbling noise around 2 a.m., the journalist told CPJ. They found the house full of smoke and the car ablaze. Authorities believe the fire was caused by a homemade explosive device.
Acuña filed a police complaint. The journalist believes the incident is related to his year-long critical reporting on government corruption.