Mexican priest Marcelo Perez, known for his outspoken advocacy for Indigenous and labor rights, was shot and killed after leaving church services in Chiapas. The Jesuits, his religious order, described him as a symbol of resistance who defended the dignity and rights of the people. Perez, a member of the Tzotzil Indigenous community, had served in Chiapas for two decades, earning a reputation as a peacemaker in land disputes.
His killing comes amidst a spike in violence in Chiapas, with about 500 murders reported from January to August. The Jesuits noted that Perez was also critical of organized crime groups and the exploitation of natural resources in the region. Mexican human rights activists have long decried the harassment and intimidation faced by defenders of Indigenous and environmental rights.
Governor Rutilio Escandon vowed to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice, condemning the assassination as a cowardly act. However, impunity for murders in Mexico is common, with most cases remaining unsolved. Rights activists and Indigenous defenders are often targeted in the country, facing criminalization and persecution as part of efforts to suppress advocacy for land and environmental rights.
The United Nations human rights office in Mexico highlighted the threats and attacks against Perez, attributing them to his work in advancing justice and Indigenous rights. Amnesty International has also raised concerns about the risks faced by environmental defenders in Mexico, where the country ranks among those with the highest number of murders of such activists. Perez’s death has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, underscoring the dangers faced by those standing up for marginalized communities in the country.
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