The recent killing of journalist Mauricio Solís in Mexico has once again brought attention to the dangers faced by journalists in the country. Solís, who ran the news page Minuto por Minuto on Facebook, was shot to death in the violent western state of Michoacan. The incident occurred shortly after Solís conducted an interview with the mayor of Uruapan, Carlos Manzo, outside city hall.
According to state prosecutors, Solís was targeted in the shooting, which also left another individual wounded. Mayor Manzo expressed shock at the incident, revealing that he and Solís had sought cover upon hearing the gunshots, only to discover that Solís had been the intended victim.
The U.N. human rights office in Mexico has condemned the killing, noting that Solís is the fifth journalist to be killed in Mexico this year. Solís had previously reported on security issues related to his work, including the drug cartel violence that plagues the region. His Facebook page served as a platform for reporting on community events and criminal activities in the area.
The U.N. rights office emphasized the importance of defending the right to information and freedom of expression in Mexico in the wake of Solís' tragic death. It pointed out that an increasing number of journalists killed in Mexico are self-employed and report for local online news outlets.
Uruapan, located near Michoacan's avocado-growing region, has been a hotspot for drug cartel activities, including extortion and turf wars. Gangs often target businesses, such as avocado and lime orchards, demanding protection money and resorting to violence against those who refuse to comply.
Solís was covering a suspicious fire at a local market just before he was killed, a common tactic used by criminal groups to intimidate and retaliate against businesses that resist their demands.
The tragic death of Mauricio Solís serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by journalists in Mexico and underscores the urgent need for enhanced protection measures to safeguard their safety and uphold press freedom in the country.
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