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2026-07-25 23:02 UTC → 2026-07-26 18:39 UTC ·
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Journalist killings spur protection reforms in Mexico reforms; Governor reacts
The On 22 July 2026 murder of journalist Francisco Alejandro Leyva Aguilar was murdered in San Pablo Etla, Oaxaca, intensified scrutiny of Mexico’s prompting an outcry from press‑freedom crisis. Leyva, a former director of the Corporación Oaxaqueña de Radio y Televisión groups and columnist for “El Zumbido del Moscardón,” was shot three times from behind by two gunmen on a motorcycle while eating at a street‑food stall. The killing raised the 2026 tally pledge of journalists slain in Mexico to six or seven, prompting condemnation “zero impunity” from the Inter‑American Press Society, Reporters Without Borders, Article 19, Amnesty International and others, who called for immediate protection measures. President‑elect Claudia Sheinbaum pledged “no impunity.” Sheinbaum. Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch, Harfuch and Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara Cruz met with Leyva’s family and media representatives, reaffirming cooperation and promising safeguards for other reporters amid subsequent threats. The the Federal Attorney General’s Office transferred the case to its Specialized Human‑Rights Unit. Four suspects were placed under investigation; identified, one was detained, and authorities recovered the alleged weapon and the motorcycle used in the attack. State officials announced additional steps to protect journalists and to amend security legislation in Puebla and across Mexico. After the killing, were recovered. Two days later Governor Jara faced mounting pressure from press‑freedom advocates announced he might compile a catalogue of media outlets he deemed hostile and opposition lawmakers. He reiterated could cease answering their questions, while also affirming his willingness to cooperate with the FGR’s specialized unit and said he would appear before investigators the FGR if summoned. Secretary of Government Jesús Romero López highlighted Journalists and civil‑society members staged protests during the recovery of Guelaguetza parade, demanding justice. The newspaper *Proceso* asked for protection for its correspondent Pedro Matías after he received a death threat linked to the assailants’ motorcycle and noted murder. Security Secretary García Harfuch reiterated that four individuals have been identified, though only one the investigation remains in detention. its initial stage under federal coordination. The ongoing investigation episode has intensified pressure on state authorities and continued calls from advocacy groups underscore an emerging push spurred discussions on amending security legislation to reform journalist‑protection strengthen protection mechanisms nationwide. for journalists throughout Mexico.