Guanajuato, Mexico — Local authorities on Monday announced an ongoing investigation into the homicide of a reporter in Guanajuato, Mexico, a region notorious for its violent disruptions. The victim, identified primarily as Kristian Zavala by local media outlets, was known for his coverage of community events on social media platforms. Zavala and an associate were reported to have been fatally shot by unidentified gunmen in a vehicle shortly after midnight on Sunday.
The incident marks at least the third homicide of a media professional in Mexico this year, although it remains uncertain whether Zavala’s journalistic activities were the motive behind the attack. Calls for a comprehensive investigation by both international and national journalist protection agencies underscore the ever-present dangers facing members of the press in Mexico.
Guanajuato, currently the epicenter of homicides in the country, experiences ongoing conflicts between the Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the Jalisco New Generation cartel. The latter was recently designated as a terrorist group by international authorities, highlighting the extreme risks present in the area.
Mexico’s landscape remains treacherously perilous for journalists, with the nation being one of the deadliest globally for media workers outside of active war zones. Following a peak year in 2022 with 13 journalist deaths, the reported incidents of killings have seen a decline. However, non-lethal attacks, including threats and assaults, have seen a significant rise, as noted by press advocacy groups.
Kristian Zavala, much like many journalists in Mexico, primarily reported on local stories, utilizing social media platforms instead of mainstream media outlets. These hyperlocal journalists often face heightened risks as they cover areas controlled by cartels or corrupted political entities, making them vulnerable targets for those who wish to suppress critical reporting.
Despite the decrease in fatalities, the impunity in crimes against journalists casts a long shadow over the profession in Mexico, with many cases remaining unresolved. Press advocates argue that Mexican authorities frequently minimize or dismiss the severity of the threats journalists face. Aggressions towards the press continue with minimal accountability, and investigations into such attacks are rare.
During the tenure of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, criticism of journalists was commonplace, often labeling them as adversaries during public addresses. This rhetoric has seemingly contributed to the normalization of hostility towards the press, further endangering journalists.
A collaboration report in 2024 between press freedom organizations emphasized Mexico’s inadequate measures in protecting journalists, despite the existence of state-sanctioned protection programs. The continuing violence and unresolved attacks highlight the significant challenges still facing journalists in Mexico, prompting urgent calls for reforms to ensure their safety and freedom of expression.