On Sunday, October 20th, priest Marcelo Pérez Pérez was murdered outside his church in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. This tragic event has shaken not only the local community but the entire country. Before his death, Pérez Pérez granted an interview where he expressed his strong stance on the violence crisis plaguing the state.
In the interview, Father Marcelo highlighted the unprecedented unity of the three dioceses in Chiapas, emphasizing that it is a clear message that violence can no longer be tolerated. He harshly criticized government inaction in the face of escalating violence, denouncing that many are forced not to return home for fear of being executed.
Marcelo Pérez Pérez made an urgent call to both local authorities and citizens to take seriously the defense of the people's lives. He warned about the importance of organizing and rising against violence, indicating that if action is not taken, organized crime will continue to advance uncontrollably.
The community is shocked by the tragic loss of this priest known for his work as an activist and defender of human rights. His participation in the peace march in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, just weeks before his murder, evidences his commitment to the fight against violence in Chiapas.
