The director of the digital media 'Observatorio Ciudadano San Luis de la Paz', Raúl Irán Villarreal Belmont, was found dead beside the state road Victoria-Xichú, according to the Attorney General's Office of Guanajuato. The communicator and former candidate for councilor of the Movimiento Ciudadano was kidnapped by an armed group on March 13. The Attorney General's Office has already initiated an investigation under the protocol for Crimes Committed against Freedom of Expression.
In a statement, the Attorney General's Office mentioned: “The Public Ministry continues with the necessary procedures to determine the circumstances of the event, identify those responsible and bring them to justice.” Additionally, psychosocial support and companionship was provided to the victim's family to inform them of the progress in the investigation.
The mayor of San Luis de La Paz, Rubén Urías Ruiz, confirmed the murder of Belmont during a press conference. For her part, the national delegate of Movimiento Ciudadano in Guanajuato, Yulma Rocha Aguilar, lamented the tragic outcome and expressed her concern for freedom of expression and the safety of communicators in the region. In this regard, she urged the authorities to act firmly, protect communicators, and conduct a serious investigation that provides justice and answers.
Amid the outrage over this crime, it is expected that the competent authorities will continue the necessary actions to clarify the case and bring those responsible to justice. Civil society and various entities have expressed solidarity with the family and colleagues of the murdered communicator, highlighting the importance of ensuring a safe environment for journalistic work in the state of Guanajuato.
