NGOs condemn journalist's murder in Veracruz, demand 'urgent responses' from Mexico

Civil society organizations, including Article 19 and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have called on the Mexican state for "urgent responses" to ensure the murder of journalist Roxana Ramírez does not go unpunished. Ramírez was kidnapped over a month ago in Veracruz, a state notorious for being one of the most dangerous places for journalists in Mexico.

RSF condemned the crime, stating it "confirms the inability of the authorities to protect the press and exacerbates the already worrying toll of three journalists murdered in this state since the beginning of 2026." The Veracruz state prosecutor's office confirmed that Ramírez was killed and her remains were found in a country house after she was abducted from her home on June 2.

“

This crime confirms the inability of the authorities to protect the press and exacerbates the already worrying toll of three journalists murdered in this state since the beginning of 2026.

RSF urged for an "exhaustive, transparent, and impartial investigation" to identify and prosecute all those responsible, both materially and intellectually. The organization also warned that violence against the press "continues to intensify" while authorities "remain incapable of preventing it." They expressed solidarity with Ramírez's family and requested protection for them.

“

We demand an exhaustive, transparent, and impartial investigation that allows for the identification and prosecution of all material and intellectual perpetrators.

Article 19 described the murder as a "grave attack against freedom of expression" and urged authorities to "refrain from promoting or disseminating narratives that stigmatize the journalist or improperly divert investigations." The organization emphasized the need to identify and punish all perpetrators and guarantee truth, justice, comprehensive reparation, and effective non-repetition measures.

Veracruz has seen 34 journalists murdered this century. The recent case gained particular attention as the kidnapping was captured on video and circulated on social media, showing armed, hooded men forcing entry into Ramírez's home. Eight individuals, including several municipal police officers allegedly collaborating with the criminal group, have been arrested. Ramírez owned the news portal Pulso Informativo Nanchiteco.

“

It is essential to identify and sanction all responsible individuals, both material and intellectual, as well as guarantee truth, justice, comprehensive reparation, and effective non-repetition measures.