In a tragic incident in Tapachula, Mexico, Catholic priest Marcelo Pérez, known for his advocacy for Indigenous peoples and farm laborers in southern Mexico, was fatally shot on Sunday. The prosecutors' office in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, reported that Pérez was attacked by two gunmen while he was in his van.
Pérez, a respected member of the Tzotzil Indigenous community, had just completed a Mass when the assailants struck. With a dedicated service record spanning two decades, Pérez was recognized for his role as a mediator in resolving conflicts in the mountainous Chiapas region, plagued by issues such as crime, violence, and land disputes.
Notably, Pérez had been at the forefront of organizing marches against violence, a stance that had unfortunately made him a target of multiple death threats.
Expressing his outrage over the senseless killing, Chiapas Governor Rutilio Escandón condemned the 'cowardly assassination' of Father Marcelo Pérez. He pledged full cooperation with the authorities to ensure that justice is served and the perpetrators are brought to account before the law.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond, highlighting the dangers faced by those advocating for social justice and Indigenous rights in Mexico. The legacy of Marcelo Pérez as a tireless champion for the marginalized and oppressed will endure, inspiring others to continue the fight for a more just and equitable society.
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