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Following the death of Mexican journalist Miguel Ángel Beltrán, human rights advocates called on the government to “take a stand” against the killing of journalists covering organized crime.
Beltrán, 60, was found dead in the northern state of Durango after being reported missing for two days. His body was discovered wrapped in sheets beside a note reading, “For spreading lies about the people of Durango,” suggesting his murder may be linked to his reporting.
“The last thing he reported was about the cartel fights taking place in the region, and it's the last thing he broadcast,” said Leopoldo Maldonado, head of the Central American branch of the international human rights organization Article 19.
“Unfortunately, with this death, we're already talking about eight murders of journalists so far during President Claudia Sheinbaum's six-year term,” he added.
Beltrán was a longtime contributor to local outlets including Contexto de Durango and Meganoticias and had previously served as spokesman for the National Union of Education Workers in Coahuila.
His death sparked outrage among colleagues and press freedom groups, who urged swift action from the Durango state prosecutor’s office, which has yet to identify any suspects.
Maldonado said he hopes to see concrete measures from the state. “There must be a serious commitment from the state to the issue, beyond just rhetoric. The problem is that it's not included in the rhetoric right now,” he said.
According to Reporters Without Borders, at least 13 journalists have been killed in Mexico so far this year—already surpassing the total in 2024—making the country one of the world’s deadliest for members of the press.
