Mexico's president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has stirred controversy after defending his decision to disclose a New York Times reporter's telephone number on Thursday, citing that his political and moral authority allows him to override the country's law on Protection of Personal Data. This move has drawn criticism from press freedom groups, who view it as an attempt to punish critical reporting and potentially endanger journalists. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) highlighted the dangers of exposing reporters' phone numbers in Mexico, a country known for being one of the deadliest places for journalists.

The situation unfolded following a New York Times story alleging a U.S. investigation into claims of individuals close to López Obrador receiving money from drug traffickers. As the story was being prepared for publication, the Times reporter reached out to López Obrador's spokesperson for comment, including her phone number in the correspondence. During a press briefing, López Obrador displayed the letter publicly, reading it aloud and showing the reporter's phone number on a large screen.

In response to this incident, the New York Times expressed concern, stating that such actions are alarming, especially at a time when threats against journalists are increasing. Mexico's National Institute for Transparency and Information Access has launched an investigation into the president's actions, emphasizing that nobody is above the law. Critics view López Obrador's disclosure of personal information as an attempt to hinder journalism that sheds light on issues of public interest related to his administration and inner circle.

This is not the first time López Obrador has targeted journalists and media outlets critical of his administration. His actions have sparked debates about press freedom and transparency in Mexico, with concerns raised about potential repercussions for reporters. With ongoing scrutiny and backlash, the fallout from this incident may further amplify discussions surrounding the role of the media and government accountability in the country.