Discovery en Espanol's 'Buscando asilo' the Story Behind the Headlines

MIAMI, Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The unrelenting wave of violence that hit Mexico in the last decade, chiefly along the U.S. border between the City of Juarez, Mexico and El Paso, TX, has led to a state of terror, giving rise to the number of people who flee to the U.S. fearing for their lives in search of refuge. A new original production by Discovery en Espanol takes a hard look at the process of political asylum in the U.S., a growing issue that is part of the ongoing controversy that is immigration. Buscando asilo (Seeking Asylum) premieres Sunday, September 5th at 9 PM E/P on Discovery en Espanol.

According to figures of the U.S. Department of Justice, Mexico has become the fourth nation with the greatest number of political asylum applicants.  Many of these cases originate directly from the City of Juarez, considered one of the most violent cities on the planet.  Human rights lawyers and journalists that denounce the cruelty inflicted by drug-trafficking cartels or that delve into irregularities committed by the authorities have been targeted and forced to flee their native land, fighting for their life.  

Buscando asilo showcases the poignant testimonials of people that are living through this nightmarish reality, among them the case of journalist Emilio Gutierrez Soto of El Diario del Noroeste de Chihuahua, who fled Mexico after receiving repeated death threats directed at himself and his family.  The one hour special features the opinions of immigration attorneys, activists and experts, which shed light on the current process of political asylum and on the recent changes to the laws under President Obama's administration.

The documentary also highlights the journalistic work and experiences of Eduardo Urrutia, cameraman for Ciudad Juarez Channel 44, who in recent years reported on more than 2 thousand homicides.  

Through his anecdotes viewers will able to comprehend the true state of a city besieged by violence and why for many the only solution is to flee.  

"I have been witness to numerous beheadings, hangings from bridges, men wearing pig's masks. I have seen men without faces, groups of people murdered, mutilated and tortured," states Urrutia.

Buscando asilo is an original production by Discovery en Espanol under the direction of Michela Giorelli and Irune Ariztoy, with the assistance of Anima Films, under the direction of Matias Gueilburt and Sebastian Gamba.

For Discovery en Espanol programming information, interactive games and more, viewers may log onto discoveryenespanol.com.    

About Discovery en Espanol

Discovery en Espanol is the Spanish-language voice of Discovery. It is the premiere network dedicated to offering the finest in quality programming in the areas of science and technology, world culture and history, nature and wildlife as well as real-life drama. The network creates an indelibly enriching experience by collecting the best of what Discovery's networks have to offer in combination with its own original Spanish-language content. Created by the world's most trusted media brand, Discovery en Espanol translates not just the words, but the feeling of Discovery, educating and engaging audiences nationwide with fascinating glimpses into the incredible world they inhabit. For more information, visit discoveryenespanol.com.    

SOURCE Discovery en Espanol