Another reporter has been shot dead in Mexico. Here’s how the murders are counted.
Mexican authorities are investigating local journalists in central central state killing local journalists on Monday Guanajuatothe country’s homicide leader.
State Attorney’s Office Identify the victim Only his name, but Local media The victim said it was Kristian Zavala, who covered locals in Silao City on his Facebook page. Zavala and another were killed Sunday, according to the office. according to Local mediaZavala and his companions were shot dead by unknown people in a car after midnight
At least The third killing of media workers So far this year, it is unclear whether the motivation is related to his work. The U.S. Committee on Protecting Journalists and Mexico Chapter 19 calls for a thorough investigation.
Guanajuato’s violence is linked to Santa Rosa de Lima and ongoing conflict Jalisco’s new generation cartelone of the most powerful countries in Latin American countries. Last month, the Trump administration officially Tagged eight cartels As a terrorist organization, including Jalisco Cartel.
Mexico has been a member of the world for many years The most dangerous country Reporter outside the war zone. Record journalist killed worldwide in 2024, Committee on Protecting Journalists It says in the report Released last month.
How to calculate the murder of reporters
Sometimes, authorities say the victim was a journalist, but usually only people who were well-known at the time. More commonly, news advocacy organizations share information.
However, information may vary between messages. In many cases, such as Zavala, victims use social platforms instead of traditional newspapers, television or radio stations to cover very local events. In this case, coverage is just one of the person’s jobs. They may also drive a taxi or do other things to make ends meet.
In some cases, the same authorities seeking answers quickly view the journalist’s work as a possible motivation or suggest that they are related to extraordinary people or businesses.
The number of journalists killed less, but does this mean it is safer?
No, Mexico pays tribute to journalists in its deadliest year 2022 According to CPJ and Article 19. In 2023 and 2024, 13 murders dropped to half or less, but non-fatal attacks exploded.
In 2023, Articleculo 19 recorded 561 such attacks, including missing.
Hyperlocal journalists like Zavala are usually the most exposed. They cover cartel impunity or cover local politics that are difficult to get to the point where justice is, and politicians may think it is easier to simply make critical voices.
All but the killings and kidnappings by a few media workers are unresolved.
“Imprisonment is the norm for crime against the press,” The Commission for Protecting Journalists said in a report Last year in Mexico.
What are the authorities doing?
Media advocates criticize the authorities for often reducing aggressiveness to the media and sometimes not investigating them at all.
During the administration of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, he often used daily press conferences to attack journalists, calling them enemies or opponents, and leaving a fair impression on them.
one Reports from CPJ and Amnesty International 2024 shows that Mexico has failed to provide state-approved protection to members of the press.
