The Hay Festival of literature and arts has cancelled its event in Veracruz in protest against the failure to protect freedom of expression in the state. Organizers of the event said that 800 writers around the world had contacted them asking for the cancellation, following a spate of attacks on journalists. In January, Moises Sanchez became the 15th journalist to be killed or disappeared in Veracruz since 2010.
The Hay Festival called for State Governor Javier Duarte to tackle the problem of violence.
“Since Mr Duarte started in government in 2010 in Veracruz eleven journalists have been murdered and four more have disappeared,” it said in a statement. “A festival of culture and freedom like the Hay Festival cannot take place in an environment of violence against culture and freedom.”
But Governor Duarte defended security in the state, arguing it was less dangerous than some other sites where the Hay Festival has taken place. He cited Beirut, claiming that “violence there was not comparable with rates in Veracruz.”
Festival organizers opted to hold the event online in October.