Mexico: journalist killed in armed attack

AA / Bogotá

A journalist was shot dead by gunmen in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, on Thursday, according to local media.

Luis Angel Lopez Valdez, who covered police and judicial affairs, was attacked in the Colonia Cazones neighborhood of the city of Poza Rica.

In a statement posted on social media, the newspaper Lopez Valdez worked for said: “Lopez Valdez was intercepted by armed individuals while he was driving in Poza Rica early this morning. He was attacked and died at the scene. HAS”

The newspaper’s management demanded justice, saying: “We demand justice from the State Commission for the Protection and Support of Journalists (CEAPP) for our reporter from Vanguardia de Veracruz. This murder must not go unpunished. HAS”

The authorities indicated that an investigation had been opened into the circumstances of the incident.

Veracruz is considered one of the most dangerous regions in Mexico for journalists and has seen numerous attacks against media workers.

According to Reporters Without Borders, Mexico is considered one of the deadliest countries in the world for journalism, with more than 150 journalists murdered since 2000, while 28 others have disappeared.

*Translated from English by Ayse Bashoruz