Violence against journalists in Veracruz follows a persistent pattern of attacks, disappearances, and murders, according to the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (RELE) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), which urged the Mexican government to strengthen protections for journalists and review the effectiveness of existing mechanisms.
The rapporteur stated that the murder of journalist Roxana Berenice Guzmán Ramírez confirms that practicing journalism in Veracruz continues to involve serious risks.
It recalled that, with this crime, the number of journalists murdered in the state during 2026 has reached three, making it necessary to reinforce prevention and protection measures for media workers.
IACHR Warns of a Censorship Effect on the Entire Journalism Community
The IACHR emphasized that the murder of a journalist represents the most extreme form of censorship because its consequences go beyond the direct victim.
The rapporteur warned that these crimes create an intimidation effect among other journalists. The murders of media workers discourage coverage of issues of public interest and affect society’s right to access information.
IACHR Points Out Failures in Journalist Protection
The RELE urged the Mexican government to strengthen prevention efforts, especially in states where attacks against journalists continue to occur frequently.
They Request a Review of the Protection Mechanism’s Operation
In addition, the specialized office requested an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Protection Mechanism for Human Rights Defenders and Journalists, greater transparency regarding its results, and corrections to existing shortcomings.
It also called for improved coordination between federal, state, and municipal authorities, as well as guaranteeing sufficient resources to implement timely protection measures.
They Demand Investigations That Reach Both Material and Intellectual Authors
The rapporteur insisted that journalist murders must be investigated with diligence, independence, and impartiality in order to punish both those who carried out the crimes and those who ordered them.
In addition to the case of Roxana Berenice Guzmán Ramírez, the organization condemned the murder of journalist Alejandro Serna Moreno, whose body was found in Guerrero, and requested that public information continue to be provided regarding the progress of both investigations.
Likewise, it asked authorities to provide protection measures for the victims’ relatives due to the risks arising from these events.
Source: imagendelgolfo
