On July 23, 2025, the digital news outlet Acapulco Trends and its director, journalist Jesús Gabriel Castañeda Arellano, were sanctioned by the Electoral Tribunal of the State of Guerrero (TEEGRO) for allegedly committing gender-based political violence against Abelina López Rodríguez, the mayor of Acapulco.
The controversy stems from a series of investigative reports published in June 2025, which questioned the mayor’s refusal to disclose the use of 898 million pesos—funds reportedly tied to post-hurricane reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Otis in 2023. The reports cited findings from the Auditoría Superior del Estado de Guerrero (ASE), suggesting irregularities in municipal spending.
In response, Mayor López filed a complaint with TEEGRO, claiming the coverage violated her political rights as a woman. The tribunal ruled partially in her favor on August 20, 2024, ordering Castañeda to issue public apologies for 15 consecutive days, pay fines totaling over 22,000 pesos, and complete a gender perspective training course. He was also added to the National Registry of Sanctioned Persons for Gender-Based Political Violence for 18 months.
Castañeda and Acapulco Trends denounced the ruling as censorship, arguing that the mayor was using legal mechanisms to silence critical journalism. The outlet complied with the apology order but vowed to continue reporting on public accountability.
The case has sparked national debate over the use of gender-based violence laws to suppress investigative journalism. Organizations like Artículo 19 and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have warned that such rulings could set dangerous precedents for press freedom in Mexico.
With information from Expansion
