‘In Memoriam’ for murdered Mexican anti-mining activist refused by Calgary Herald

November 26, 2010

An ‘In Memoriam’ classified ad to be run on November 27th on behalf of the family of murdered anti-mining activist Mariano Abarca R. has been called “unsuitable” by the Calgary Herald, though several other Canadian newspapers, including the Globe and Mail and the Edmonton Journal, have agreed to print it. – UPDATE – Late on Nov 26, The Edmonton Jounal informed Common Frontiers that it would also refuse to print the item. 

“We are confused about why the Calgary Herald would refuse a paid ‘In Memoriam’ on the anniversary of the death of Mariano Abarca. Former employees of Blackfire Exploration, a Calgary-based firm, are in jail in Chiapas, Mexico awaiting court appearances related to his murder. We sincerely hope the Herald is not simply trying to avoid controversy from a local company,” says Rick Arnold, coordinator of Common Frontiers.