EU, Norway, Switzerland Condemn Journalist Murder in Mexico, Cite Sector Violence

The European Union, along with the embassies of Norway and Switzerland in Mexico, have issued a strong condemnation of the recent murder of journalist Alejandro Leyva Aguilar in San Pablo Etla, Oaxaca. The diplomatic missions also pointed to the pervasive violence and intimidation targeting journalists and human rights defenders across Mexico. They urged Mexican authorities to pursue ongoing investigations and bolster protection efforts for media workers.

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The murder of Mr. Leyva, along with the killings of other journalists that have occurred recently in the country, demonstrates the level of violence and intimidation that journalists and human rights defenders face in some contexts in Mexico and which constitutes a threat to human rights.

"The murder of Mr. Leyva, along with the killings of other journalists that have occurred recently in the country, demonstrates the level of violence and intimidation that journalists and human rights defenders face in some contexts in Mexico and which constitutes a threat to human rights," the joint statement read. The organizations acknowledged the work of Leyva Aguilar, extending condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends. They noted that the circumstances of the crime and Leyva's journalistic work, coupled with prior threats, strongly suggest a direct link between his profession and his death.

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The circumstances of the crime and Mr. Leyva's journalistic work, as well as the previous threats received, are indications that there is a direct link between his journalistic work and his murder.

The delegation and embassies recognized the case being handled by the Attorney General's Office and valued the federal government's commitment to clarifying the facts. They also acknowledged "the efforts made by the Mexican authorities to clarify recent murder cases and prevent new aggressions." However, they reiterated their concern over the "high levels of impunity in cases of murdered journalists and defenders in previous years in Mexico." They renewed their call for the identification and prosecution of all those responsible, both material and intellectual perpetrators, reaffirming their collaboration with the Mexican government.

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high levels of impunity in cases of journalists and defenders murdered in previous years in Mexico.