Mexico attacks press freedom - British reporter Steve Sweeney detained

November 7th 2021 - E-mail statement received from Steve Sweeney unjustly detained in Mexico

At 7pm on Friday I was detained without warning at Mexico City Airport, and quizzed by around 4 different people.

I was held in squalid conditions without food or water, in a room with no ventilation. My phone was also confiscated.

I have not been informed at any time why I am being held, nor when nor even if I am going to be released.

It is no coincidence that it came just weeks after my ban from the US. 

I fully believe my detention is political and an attack on press freedom.

I am the only journalist from a British newspaper covering the Nicaraguan elections from the ground.

Blocking me from doing so would leave the British press free to regurgitate their standard anti-Nicaragua fare unchallenged.

The US is tightening the screw. The Renacer Act passed this week imposes tough sanctions and a possible trade embargo designed to crush the Nicaraguan people. 

Fears of a Bolivia-style coup are not unfounded and the US has already said it will not recognise the result.