This week, a Mexican journalist known for openly criticizing the government was shot and killed by unidentified assailants. This incident is part of a troubling pattern, following six other similar murders of media professionals earlier this year. International groups advocating for press freedom continue to classify Mexico as one of the most perilous places for journalists.
The incident took place on Wednesday morning in San Pablo Erta, located in the southern state of Oaxaca. Francisco Alejandro Leyva, 60, was attacked while having breakfast at a local food stall, and the attackers managed to flee the scene. The Oaxaca Attorney General’s Office has stated that they have obtained surveillance footage that might provide clues about a potential suspect.
As reported by press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Leyva had a journalism career spanning over 30 years, formerly serving as the director of Oaxaca Radio and Television prior to his retirement. After retiring, he made a significant impact as a political columnist, with his work, titled El Zumbido del Moscaldon, being published in various newspapers statewide.
Artur Romeu, RSF’s Latin America Director, condemned the violence in a statement, emphasizing a significant failure on the part of the Mexican government in safeguarding press freedoms.
“The killing of seven journalists within less than six months illustrates severe and ongoing deficiencies in the Mexican state’s response. These victims include not only those who reported on threats but also those who had been under protection and surveillance,” Romeu said. He suggested that merely launching an investigation after each murder isn’t enough to save lives or curb violence, calling for the Mexican government to take political responsibility and develop a comprehensive national emergency plan.
RSF notes that seven journalists have been killed in Mexico this year alone. In terms of media safety, Mexico is currently ranked 160th out of 180 countries, and for press freedom, it sits at 122nd.
Other journalists who lost their lives include:
- Josue Martinez Contreras from Noticias San Martin Texmercan, killed on July 16, 2026.
- Alex Serna from Ciudadano de la Costa Grande Observatory, killed on July 3, 2026.
- Luis Angel López Valdez, editor of Veracruz Polípoliciaco coverage, killed on June 11, 2026, despite being under government protection after receiving threats from law enforcement.
- Roxana Guzman Ramirez from Threshold Information, abducted by armed assailants on June 2, 2026, and later found dead in the countryside following a viral campaign to locate her.
- Juan David Gamez from Tactica SS, murdered on March 18, 2026.
- Carlos Castro from Codigo Norte de Veracruz, killed on January 8, 2026. RSF reported that he had faced various threats and at one point was included in a government protection program, but was removed for unclear reasons in 2024.
