Mexico: Journalist Missing for Several Days Found Dead

By BERT HOOVER Jul 09 2023, 23:50 PM EDT

Luis Martín Sánchez Iñiguez, a Mexico journalist for the national newspaper La Jornada, has tragically been found dead in Nayarit, as reported by the newspaper on Saturday, AP reports.

The journalist's body was found on the outskirts of Tepic, the capital of Nayarit.

Sánchez Iñiguez, 59, had been reported missing since Wednesday, prompting an appeal to locate him by the Nayarit state prosecutors' office.

His wife had reported his disappearance and the loss of his computer and cell phone.

The prosecutor's office confirmed on Saturday that the body found was indeed that of Sánchez Iñiguez, further revealing that he had been deceased for approximately one to two days before the discovery of his corpse.

In their statement, the prosecutors disclosed that the body exhibited signs of violence and was accompanied by two handwritten signs. However, the content of the messages was not disclosed.

While handwritten signs are often associated with drug cartels and victims of violence, the motive behind the journalist's killing remains under investigation, according to the prosecutor's office.

Mexico Journalist Killings Increased Under President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's Administration

Luis Martín Sanchez Iniguez's death marks another tragic loss for journalists in Mexico, where the pursuit of investigating corruption, crime, and drug cartels often comes with great risks, according to Al Jazeera.

Mexico consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, as highlighted by press freedom organizations.

This year alone, at least two journalists have lost their lives in targeted attacks.

In February, news photographer Jose Ramiro Araujo was brutally stabbed and beaten to death in the northern Mexican border state of Baja California.

Under President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's administration, the number of killings related to the press has seen a significant increase, rising by 85 percent during the first half of his term compared to his predecessor's.

Last year was one of the deadliest periods for Mexican media workers, with 15 fatalities.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has strongly condemned the killing of Luis Martin Sanchez Iniguez and called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident.

2 Other Possible Crimes Against Media Workers Under Investigation

The recent discovery of Luis Martín Sánchez Iñiguez's body coincides with ongoing investigations into two other potential crimes involving media workers in Nayarit, per Reuters.

Another media worker, Osiris Maldonado, was reported missing on July 4 after failing to return from work at a school the previous morning.

Meanwhile, journalist Jonathan Lora Ramirez was forcibly taken by two armed individuals from his apartment on July 7.

Fortunately, Lora Ramirez has been found alive and in good health, but authorities are investigating the incident as illegal detention.

Upon receiving reports of these cases, Nayarit authorities promptly initiated investigations and are adhering to special protocols for journalists and human rights defenders.

The public prosecutor's office of Nayarit stated that in line with the established protocols, the activities of the victims should be considered as they may increase their vulnerability.

The Mexican authorities are committed to pursuing justice and ensuring the safety of journalists and human rights defenders in Nayarit, conducting thorough investigations into these incidents.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Mexico: A Lethal Field for Journalists - From Al Jazeera English