MEXICO CITY — Sean Penn’s article about Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has hit a nerve in Mexico, where many journalists have paid dearly for covering drug cartels run by such ruthless kingpins.The US actor’s story published by Rolling Stone has drawn plenty of flak from US journalists, who panned his writing style and questioned the ethics of letting the drug lord vet the story before publication.But in Mexico, one of the most dangerous places to practise journalism, the debate has gone beyond the writer’s prose or the propriety of interviewing the world’s most wanted criminal.In a column in El Universal newspaper, journalist Leon Krauze lamented that Mr Penn’s article made Guzman look like a man who became a drug lord because "he had to make a living somehow, that he is only violent in order to defend himself ... and that he is almost likeable if it wasn’t for (his cartel’s) 10,000 murders"."In sum, it’s a perfect act of propaganda. Another triumph for Joaquin Guzman," wrote Mr Krauze....
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.