This Tuesday, Reporters Without Borders condemned the murder of journalist Kristian Zavala, who becomes the second reporter under protection killed in Mexico in 2025. The organization urged authorities to carry out a transparent and effective investigation so that those responsible face justice.
Zavala, 28 years old, was shot alongside the driver of the vehicle he was traveling in, Axel Yahir, in the early morning of March 2 in the Condado de la Pila neighborhood, in Silao, Mexico. Armed individuals on motorcycles opened fire before fleeing, a method characteristic of executions in the country, according to Reporters Without Borders.
The deceased journalist was the founder and director of El Silaoense Mx, a news site covering local politics and public safety. Zavala had received threats in the past and had been under a local protection mechanism since 2021.
His murder comes shortly after that of Calletano de Jesús Guerrero, journalist of Global México, who died on January 17 in Teoloyucan, State of Mexico, despite having federal protection since 2014. Artur Rumeu, director of the Reporters Without Borders' office for Latin America, emphasized the urgent need to reform protection mechanisms in light of these crimes.
Mexico ranks 121st in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders and is considered the most dangerous country for journalists outside of war zones, making it necessary to strengthen protective measures for journalists and human rights defenders.
