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Why Mexican media uses ‘N’ for the accused

You might wonder why this newspaper refers to the arrested soccer star as “Omar ‘N’,” given that his identity is widely known. Under Mexican law, media outlets are required to use initials when referring to individuals who have been detained or arrested. This is to protect the legal rights and the privacy of the accused until due process has been concluded.

The use of “N” comes from the word “Nombre” (name) and is a standard practice aimed at preventing harm to the person’s reputation or public image before a final legal verdict is reached.

While it may seem somewhat unnecessary in cases involving well-known figures, this newspaper adheres to the law—although, it’s worth noting that many online outlets have ignored this requirement and are referring to Omar “N” by his full name.

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