Mexican political cartoonist Mario Robles attacked by thugs

Cartoonist Mario Robles,who works for the newspaper Noticias Voz e Imagen de Oaxaca in western Mexico, claims he was attacked by Indalesio Cruz Alcázar and his son Isalesis Cruz, who are both members of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).

Robels claims that the men approached him and kicked him repeatedly, before telling him that he needed to modify his cartoons, and threatning to kill both him and his family.

According to Article 19, Roble has reported the attack to the Department of Justice of the State of Oaxaca, but has received no aid from them.

Dr Agnes Callamard, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19, says: "Cartoons serve a particular purpose in terms of political commentary.

"They are particularly influential because an image can often be more effective in making an impression than words. This is therefore a unique but particularly relevant form of social commentary that needs to be protected under the right to freedom of expression."

Article 19 calls on the PRI to ensure that all of its members are under the direct control of the party, and that intimidation is not allowed to take place.