Priest Marcelo Pérez was murdered in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, after celebrating a mass. His death has shaken a state that already suffered from high levels of violence. Despite the outgoing governor, Rutilio Escandón's promise of justice, this crime adds to a long list of unsolved homicides amid conflicts between criminal groups and self-defense forces.
Marcelo Pérez, a defender of the rights of indigenous people and a critic of drug trafficking, was a respected figure in Chiapas, where he sought peace for his Tzotzil people. His murder cannot simply be another statistic in the growing wave of violence in the region. Concerns have been raised about the lack of security at public events in the area, especially due to drone flights that have been detected during the activities of President Claudia Sheinbaum.
In a broader context, Chiapas faces numerous challenges, such as territorial control by organized crime, the crisis of displaced people due to violence, poverty, and marginalization. Despite efforts to implement welfare programs, the situation in the region remains critical. The murder of Marcelo Pérez highlights the urgency of effectively addressing violence and insecurity in Chiapas.
