Carlos Castro Murdered in Veracruz
Gunmen shot dead journalist Carlos Castro on Thursday in eastern Mexico, local media reported, highlighting ongoing threats against members of the press in the country.
Castro, who covered crime for the local outlet Codigo Norte Veracruz, was attacked at a restaurant in Poza Rica, in the state of Veracruz, according to digital news outlet RECORD and the State Commission for the Attention and Protection of Journalists, an autonomous regional body.
No arrests have been made so far, and authorities are investigating the attack.
Call for Investigation
The Commission has urged a thorough investigation into the killing and stressed that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.
“Those responsible should be reported to authorities and held accountable,” the commission said in a statement.
Mexico: One of the Most Dangerous Countries for Journalists
Mexico has long been considered one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists, with over 150 reporters murdered since 1994, according to Reporters Without Borders.
Veracruz, which borders the Gulf of Mexico, has been a hotspot for violence linked to organized crime, particularly as criminal groups compete for control over drug trafficking routes. Journalists reporting on crime, corruption, and security issues in the region remain highly vulnerable.
Why This Matters
The murder of Carlos Castro underscores the persistent risks journalists face in Mexico and highlights the need for greater protection measures for the press. It also draws international attention to the threats to press freedom in regions affected by organized crime.
