Mexican journalist says her family in danger if forced to leave Canada
Mother of two says threats growing since publication of book alleging government corruption
A Mexican journalist fears she and her family could be killed if they are forced to leave Canada.
Karla Berenice Garcia Ramirez, who sought asylum in Canada in 2008 with her husband, says threats against her life intensified after she wrote a book alleging corruption at a Mexican government ministry where she once worked. The book, called The Talent of the Charlatans, was published under the pseudonym Karla Lottini last October in Canada.
Ramirez’s refugee status application was rejected in 2010. Last November, the government conducted a pre- removal risk assessment and issued a deportation order, said Lobat Sadrehashemi, one of Ramirez’s lawyers.
“She’s really a whistleblower,” said Sadrehashemi, who held a press conference Thursday to bring public attention to her client’s plight.
“We were surprised by the decision of the pre- removal risk assessment officer, considering the new risk to her since her book was published. Karla and her family in Mexico have been threatened. One of the threats directly referenced the book.”
Since coming to Canada, Ramirez, 38, has given birth to two daughters, ages two months and 17 months. As Canadians, the children would be allowed to remain in Canada, but their parents plan to take their children with them if they are deported.
The couple has filed an application to remain in Canada on humanitarian grounds and is seeking a Federal Court review of the recent risk- assessment decision. But that doesn’t prevent officials from acting on the removal order, said Sadrehashemi. No deportation date has been set, she added, but it could happen at any time.
Ramirez said she has been concerned about her parents, brother, sister and nephews and nieces who live in Mexico since her book was published.
“I’m really concerned for my family and I am afraid for my life,” she said.
Sadrehashemi said support for Ramirez’s deportation order to be reversed is growing. She provided statements from local writers and academics on her client’s behalf.
Alexander Dawson, director of Latin American Studies at Simon Fraser University, said in the release “vendettas that are unrelated to the [ Mexican] drug war are often carried out with complete impunity under its cover.
“This is why I believe that Karla Berenice Garcia Ramirez’s claim is credible.”
He went on to encourage the Canadian government to consider the “serious nature” of many refugee claims stemming from Mexico.