PEN writers condemn attacks on Mexico journalists

MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Several Nobel prize laureates are joining the PEN International writers group in condemning attacks on journalists in Mexico.

Mario Vargas Llosa and Toni Morrison are among those participating in a full-page ad in the newspaper El Universal, signed by 170 of the world's most acclaimed writers. It recognizes the courage of journalists in a country were attacks have increased dramatically with drug violence in recent years.

Friday's ad says attacks on journalists "impede the ability to live a secure life free of censorship."

Attacks on Mexican journalists generally go unprosecuted.

Mexico's national human rights commission says 74 journalists were killed from 2000 to 2011. The Committee to Protect Journalists says 51 were slain in that time.