Mexico has aimed to secure the extradition of Dámaso López Serrano, a former member of the Sinaloa cartel, who is accused of orchestrating the murder of journalist Javier Valdez. Valdez, known for his critical reporting on the drug trade, was killed in Culiacán in May 2017 amid escalating cartel violence. Mexican attorney general Alejandro Gertz recently stated at a press conference that López Serrano, also known as "Mini Lic," was the "mastermind" behind the assassination. The request for his extradition has faced obstacles as U.S. authorities previously deemed López Serrano a "protected witness," given his cooperation with law enforcement.
Mexico Seeks Extradition of Drug Cartel Leader Linked to Journalist's Murder
Mexico Seeks Extradition of Drug Cartel Leader Linked to Journalist's Murder
The Mexican government requests the extradition of a cartel figure implicated in the 2017 assassination of journalist Javier Valdez, highlighting ongoing concerns for press safety in the country.
In December, López Serrano was detained in Virginia on fentanyl trafficking charges, prompting renewed efforts from Mexico to extradite him. Gertz noted that the Mexican authorities have already prosecuted others involved in Valdez's murder, underlining the country’s commitment to addressing journalist safety concerns amidst rampant violence against the press. The incident is reflective of a broader trend in Mexico, where over 150 journalists have been killed since 1994, with the situation appearing increasingly dire. Recent incidents included the killings of two journalists within days, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures in one of the world's most dangerous environments for reporters.
