Sara Mendiola, director of Propuesta Cívica, dies as rights groups mourn her loss

Human rights organizations in Mexico and abroad are mourning Sara Mendiola Landeros, the executive director of Propuesta Cívica, and honoring her work on behalf of journalists, human rights defenders and victims of attacks.

Propuesta Cívica announced her death on Saturday, praising her conviction, strength and persistence in seeking justice and defending the dignity of reporters, defenders and their families. The organization said it would honor her memory by continuing its work against injustice.

The United Nations human rights office in Mexico said it had worked with Mendiola Landeros on cases and processes aimed at protecting journalists and defenders. “We recognize her commitment and invaluable contribution to this work,” the office said, while extending condolences to her family, friends and colleagues at Propuesta Cívica.

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Her legacy remains. Her struggle continues.

Article 19 also recognized her commitment and career defending freedom of expression. The Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez Human Rights Center highlighted her work denouncing violence against journalists and sent condolences to her relatives, loved ones and colleagues.

Oaxaca’s Coordination for Human Rights Affairs described Mendiola Landeros as someone who made the defense of freedom of expression and human rights a way of life. Sergio Aguayo, president of Propuesta Cívica, remembered her as a lawyer willing to confront risks with prudence and asked people to support her family with respect and affection.

Mendiola had directed Propuesta Cívica since 2017. Through the nongovernmental organization, she worked on legal representation and support for cases involving attacks, killings and disappearances of journalists. The organization and other groups that publicly addressed her death had not disclosed its cause.

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We recognize her commitment and invaluable contribution to this work.