Veracruz mayors face removal of immunity amid journalist murder probe

The Veracruz State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) filed two petitions before the state Congress to strip constitutional immunity (desafuero) from Movimiento Ciudadano mayors Raúl González Martínez of Ixhuatlán del Sureste and Bertín Bravo Montero of Úrsulo Galván. The request is tied to the investigation of journalist Roxana Guzmán’s kidnapping and homicide on 2 June, which prosecutors say was ordered by Martínez after she obtained a photograph of him carrying a military‑grade weapon. A witness reportedly heard Martínez instruct a member of the criminal group “Sombra” to abduct the reporter.

Legislative commissions on Governance, Justice and Constitutional Points concluded that sufficient elements exist to continue the process, forwarding the dossiers to the Permanent Instructive Commission. Both mayors have been notified and have seven days to submit a defence. Martínez faces charges related to illegal deprivation of liberty and homicide; Bravo Montero is investigated for alleged disappearances, though specific accusations have not been disclosed.

Movimiento Ciudadano denounced the move as political persecution, demanding neutrality and autonomy from the state prosecutor, and quoted party officials: “Resulta profundamente preocupante que… cuando se trata de adversarios políticos, las instituciones parezcan actuar con una rapidez selectiva.” Eight suspects, including four municipal police officers, have been detained in connection with Guzmán’s case, underscoring concerns about press safety and criminal infiltration of local authorities.