MEXICO: Luis Martín Sánchez Iñiguez, a 59-year-old Mexican journalist who worked for La Jornada newspaper, has been discovered deceased in the state of Nayarit, Mexico.
The state public prosecutor’s office confirmed on Saturday that his body was found with signs of violence. Sánchez Iñiguez had been reported missing by his wife on Friday, having disappeared on Wednesday.
His body was located on the outskirts of Tepic, though the exact cause of death remains unclear. Authorities estimate that he had passed away approximately 24 to 48 hours prior to the discovery of his body.
The finding comes as authorities are looking into two other possible crimes against media personnel in Nayarit. On July 4, another member of the media was reported missing. Since leaving for work at a school the day before, he hasn’t been seen, according to the authorities.
He has been recognised by the Mexican media as Osiris Maldonado, a former employee of La Jornada.
On July 7, two masked, armed men dragged journalist Jonathan Lora Ramirez into a car after breaking into his flat. The discovery of Lora Ramirez indicates that she is “in a good state of health.” Authorities are looking into the offence of wrongful detention.
Authorities in Nayarit stated that they launched investigations right away after the crimes were reported and that they are abiding by particular guidelines for journalists and human rights advocates.
“In accordance with what is established provisions into the applicable protocols, it is necessary to take into consideration the activities of the victims which put them at a greater degree of vulnerability,” the Nayarit public prosecutor’s office stated in a statement.
According to press freedom organisations, Mexico consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous nations for journalists, which highlights the significant risks it faces when looking into corruption, crime, and drug cartels.
Under the leadership of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the number of killings targeting journalists has dramatically risen, with an alarming 85% increase during the first half of his term compared to that of his predecessor.
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