By KRWG News
El Paso – The U.S. government has granted political asylum to a Mexican television cameraman who says his government can't protect him.
Alejandro Martinez also says the Mexican government put him at risk by showing him on national TV after his release by alleged drug traffickers who kidnapped him.
Martinez was held for about a week by alleged drug dealers who demanded to have a message aired on national television.
Carlos Spector, Martinez's attorney, said Tuesday that decision is proof the U.S. recognizes the inability of the Mexican government to protect its citizens and journalists.
After fleeing his home country, Martinez spoke out against the Mexican government.
He is the second Mexican journalist to be granted asylum by the U.S. after Jorge Luis Aguirre, who claimed political persecution, was allowed to stay.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
Summary