Radio Journalist Shot Dead Outside a Gym in Morelia, Michoacán

"Morogris" for Borderland Beat

He is the 5th journalist killed in Mexico in 2021

Radio journalist Abraham Mendoza was murdered this Monday, July 19, in the parking lot of a gym on Madero Poniente Avenue, in the city of Morelia, Michoacán.

According to witnesses, Mendoza was intercepted by attackers and shot dead at point-blank range when he left a gym. It was also reported that a civilian was injured by a stray bullet.

The state police arrested three main suspects for the attack. They were placed before a judge and will likely be charged with aggravated homicide. Investigators have not yet determined the motives and do not discard that this attack may have been work-related.

Since 2013, Mendoza worked as the main conductor of Revista Informativa Voces Radio and was an active collaborator of his alma mater, the Universidad Vasco de Quiroga (UVAQ). He also had a radio station on the EXA network in Morelia.

“The university community joins in prayer for the sensitive death of our collaborator and friend, the journalist Abraham Mendoza. Peace and comfort to your family and friends. Rest in peace," the UVAQ posted on Facebook.

The Governor of Michoacan, Silvano Aureoles, condemned the murder in a Twitter post and said that local authorities were investigating. He said he trusted that those responsible for Mendoza's death would face justice.

Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world to exercise journalism as a profession. Though the figures are often conflicting, press freedom organizations around the world collectively agree that over 150 journalists have been killed in Mexico since 2000. Dozens more remain disappeared.

Like in most criminal cases in Mexico, the vast majority of these incidents remain unsolved and with few perpetrators arrested and/or convicted.

Sources: Milenio; Proceso; La Jornada; Reporte Indigo; Animal Politico

Image credit: La Voz de Michoacan