Mexican priest Marcelo Perez, known for his advocacy of Indigenous and labor rights, was tragically killed in the state of Chiapas while returning home from church. The Jesuit priest had been a strong defender of the dignity and rights of the local communities for decades. His assassination comes during a period of heightened violence in Chiapas, with hundreds of murders recorded this year alone.
Perez, a member of the Tzotzil Indigenous peoples, had worked to settle disputes and defend the rights of marginalized groups, including Indigenous people and farmworkers. His outspoken criticism of organized crime groups made him a target, highlighting the dangers faced by rights activists and environmental defenders in Mexico.
The news of Perez’s death sparked outrage and calls for justice from both local and international organizations. The lack of accountability for such crimes in Mexico is a serious concern, with the vast majority of homicides going unsolved.
Amnesty International has warned about the high levels of violence and persecution faced by activists advocating for land, territorial, and environmental rights in Mexico. The country ranks among the highest in the world for murders of environmental defenders.
The United Nations human rights office in Mexico has highlighted Perez’s tireless work in favor of justice and Indigenous rights, acknowledging the numerous threats and attacks he faced. The community in Chiapas, along with authorities, are working to ensure that those responsible for his death are brought to justice. Marcelo Perez will be remembered as a courageous advocate and a symbol of resistance in the fight for justice and human rights in Mexico.
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