Muxe community demands justice after armed attack on Elvis Guerra in Juchitán

The Muxe community in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec is demanding justice and increased security following an armed attack against Elvis Guerra, a prominent poet, artisan, and cultural rights defender in Juchitán de Zaragoza. The incident has sparked widespread indignation and mobilization among local collectives, who describe the escalating violence in the region as an unmanageable crisis.

Social anthropologist and activist Amaranta Gómez Regalado expressed solidarity with Guerra, noting that the attack highlights the vulnerability of the entire community. While acknowledging the sensitivity shown by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo regarding gender violence, Gómez Regalado urged the federal government to provide concrete solutions for the Isthmus. She also called on Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara Cruz to move beyond mere coordination meetings and implement measurable actions against criminal violence.

In a personal statement, Elvis Guerra expressed a desire to transition from being a victim to a survivor, emphasizing the need to reclaim the safety and peace once characteristic of Juchitán. Guerra urged the community not to normalize fear or remain silent, calling for collective efforts to denounce violence and ensure the right to live without fear.