Mexico 'Twitter terrorism' charges cause uproar

[The Northerner]

What began as a few messages on social networks Twitter and Facebook has grown into a heated debate about freedom of speech in Mexico - and could see two Mexicans spending a long stretch behind bars.

The two, who live in the eastern state of Veracruz, could face up to 30 years in prison after being accused of terrorism.

Their case has provoked an outcry from human rights groups and civil liberties advocates, in the midst of soaring violence blamed on organised crime in some parts of Mexico.

It all started on 25 August, when Gilberto Martinez Vera and Maria de Jesus Bravo Pagola allegedly posted information saying that shootouts and kidnappings by drug gangs were happening near schools in Veracruz, the state's biggest city.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-14800200

[enlightenment]

1. Seems to me that the government officials in Veracruz

should focus their ire - and energy - at the actual 'terrorists' whose actions have created such a climate of fear that people would automatically believe uncorroborated 'tweets'.

I suppose it's easier to claim that these two people are the terrorists, rather than make a real attempt to stop the utterly out-of-control drugs cartels.