Mexican journalist and human rights activist Lydia Cacho, 48, was threatened twice last month, according to news reports.

On 14 June, the foundation which carries her name, based in Madrid, received an email warning Cacho to “keep her mouth shut” or she would be killed. Only three days later she received an anonymous phone call in Mexico with the same message.

In April 2010, Cacho was named one of 60 IPI World Press Freedom Heros for her reports on domestic violence, child prostitution, organized crime and political corruption. Through her work she draws attention to abuses suffered by women and children, and the impunity often enjoyed by those responsible. Also, through her foundation she supports victims of corruption, impunity and human rights violations.

On 5 July, Amnesty International demanded that the Mexican government ensure Cacho´s safety. The nongovernmental organization also called on its supporters to ask the Mexican government to provide her urgent protection and investigate the threats. “There is serious concern for her safety”, the NGO stated.

International Press Institute (IPI) Director Alison Bethel McKenzie said: “We are highly concerned at the alleged death threats made against IPI World Press Freedom Hero Lydia Cacho, and we urge the authorities to investigate them. For years, Lydia has been defying such threats to report on issues of enormous public interest. She should be able to continue reporting without fear of violent retaliation.”

Cacho told Spanish press agency EFE that she was not going to be silenced because she had learned to manage fear and not be dominated by the threats. “They want to silence my work and advocacy for the rights of women … but they will not make it,” the journalist said.

Cacho affirmed there is evidence indicating the origin of the threats: “Although we do not have very clearly the name of the person, we will find those responsible and we will name them. Now we are close.” Cacho has also claimed that a hit man was hired as retaliation for her last book “The slaves of power”, published in 2010.

“I do think (the threat) is mainly linked to the complaint regarding the routes and networks of women traffickers throughout the country,” Cacho told the MVS radio station in Mexico. In her book she gives names of various groups and public officials who allegedly collaborate in such activities.

Cacho has received many threats since 2005, in retaliation for her book “The Demons of Eden”, which reported on a child pornography network in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

According to the IPI Death Watch, five journalists have been killed in Mexico this year. The country was the second most dangerous nation for media workers in 2010, IPI’s records show.