On June 25, 2025, Mexican journalist Ernesto Ledesma reported that his social media accounts and websites were hacked, just hours after he confronted President Claudia Sheinbaum during her daily morning press conference, known as the mañanera. Ledesma, known for his investigative reporting and critical stance on government transparency, had questioned Sheinbaum about alleged irregularities in recent judicial appointments and the role of the National Electoral Institute (INE).
According to Ledesma’s media outlet, several of his digital platforms—including his personal X (formerly Twitter) account and the official website of his news program—were rendered inaccessible or defaced. The cyberattack occurred shortly after his pointed exchange with the president, raising concerns among press freedom advocates about potential retaliation.
While there is no official confirmation linking the hack to the federal government or its supporters, the timing of the incident has sparked widespread speculation. Ledesma’s team stated that they are working with cybersecurity experts to trace the origin of the breach and restore their digital infrastructure.
In response to the incident, several journalists’ unions and human rights organizations issued statements condemning the attack and calling for an impartial investigation. “This is not just an attack on one journalist—it’s an attack on the public’s right to information,” said a spokesperson for Article 19, a nonprofit that defends freedom of expression in Mexico.
President Sheinbaum has not publicly addressed the hacking of Ledesma’s accounts. However, the episode has intensified the ongoing debate over press freedom and digital security in Mexico, a country already ranked among the most dangerous in the world for journalists.
As investigations continue, the case underscores the vulnerability of independent media voices and the urgent need for stronger protections in the digital space.
Source: Publimetro
