One Year On, Supporters of Dead Journalist Oppose U.S Drugs Cash Proposal

Will was covering the teachers' strike in Oaxaca for Indymedia when he was shot dead by plain-clothed armed men. The killing brought the death-toll of journalists in Mexico last year to nine – the county is experiencing an all-time-high level of violence against journalists. It is purported to be the second most dangerous place to work in the world as a journalist after Iraq.
Those campaigning for justice are worried that the proposed funding from the United States will put more weapons, helicopters and other resources in the hands of an already corrupt police force and army.
"Under the guise of stopping drug trafficking, US taxpayers could be funding human rights violations, corrupt local officials and Blackwater-style mercenaries in Oaxaca and elsewhere. This is exactly the wrong message to send at this time," said Bubbins.
The proposed $1.4 billion initiative, which will run over two years and is already being compared to the controversial Plan Columbia, has also been criticized by experts.
Ernesto Mendieta, a security advisor and former-anti-drugs prosecutor, told Reuters on Wednesday that the plan is superficial and said that more helicopters and weapons wouldn't make a difference.
"You've got to go after their finances and find out where their bank accounts are," said Mendieta, talking about the drug cartels.
An unnamed Mexican official quoted in the story added that catching traffickers will have a limited impact without cleaning up the corrupt police force and alleviating the poverty that drives so many people to getting involved.
Meanwhile, the one-year anniversary of the death of Brad Will will be marked today in New York, Oaxaca and no doubt other places around the world.