Josué Martínez's murder prompts homily and journalist protection reform in Puebla

Journalist Josué Martínez was shot dead in San Martín Texmelucan, Puebla, a crime that remains under investigation. During a July 20 mass, auxiliary bishop Francisco Javier Martínez Castillo remembered Martínez, along with two other slain journalists, and called on the faithful to work for peace and solidarity.

In response to the killing, state deputy Delfina Pozos Vergara (PRI) introduced a reform to Puebla's Public Security Law that would add a dedicated chapter on the prevention and immediate assistance for journalists and human‑rights defenders. The proposal calls for free, confidential reporting channels, rapid investigation of threats, risk‑mapping for reporters, and coordination with federal protection mechanisms and the state prosecutor's office. The amendment has been referred to the Municipal Affairs Committee for further analysis.