Activist Priest Shot Dead in Southern Mexico
Two gunmen in southern Mexico shot and killed Catholic Priest Marcelo Perez, known for his activism for Indigenous peoples and farm laborers, in the violence-stricken Chiapas region.
Who was Marcelo Perez?
Perez, a member of the Tzotzil Indigenous Maya group, had served the community for nearly 20 years. He was a respected negotiator in conflicts in Chiapas, where crime, violence, and land disputes are rampant.
Assassination aftermath
The priest had received numerous death threats due to his anti-violence stances and vocal opposition to organized crime. Despite warnings from national and international organizations, Perez was fatally shot while returning home after a mass.
Violence in Chiapas has been on the rise, with the state recording an increase in murders. Officials have vowed to bring justice to those responsible for Perez’s murder.
This tragic event underscores the ongoing struggle for peace and justice in Chiapas, as communities mourn the loss of a dedicated advocate and leader.