Other

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

Magazines & Reviews

News

In-depth reporting on the world of social media

In-depth reporting on the world of social media.

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service East Asia

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

Trending: Killed Because of Fake News on WhatsApp

Factual

Killed Because of Fake News on WhatsApp

16/11/2018 GMT

BBC World Service - Trending, Killed Because of Fake News on WhatsApp

How a rumour led to the lynching of two innocent men in Mexico

The story of how a rumour led to the lynching of two innocent men in Mexico

How a viral rumour on WhatsApp led to the lynching of two innocent men in Mexico.

Ricardo Flores and his uncle Alberto were building a well. They set out to buy some supplies, but as it was a warm August day, they decided to take a break along the way.  Within hours they were arrested and lynched – beaten and burnt to death by a ferocious mob. Rumours which spread on WhatsApp falsely accused the men of being child kidnappers. And before anyone could stop the residents of Acatlan, a small town in Mexico, a tragedy unfolded – the repercussions of which continue to be felt today. 

For the Beyond Fake News season on the BBC World Service, Marcos Martinez went to Acatlan to investigate. 

Presenter: Mike Wendling
Reporter: Marcos Martinez
Producer: Reha Kansara
Studio Manager: Graham Puddifoot

Photo Caption: A photo of Ricardo Flores, one of the men who was killed. 
Photo Credit: BBC

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Trending

Killed Because of Fake News on WhatsApp

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

About BBC World Service