The family of journalist Jorge Meléndez announced his passing. “We are all asked to keep fighting to achieve change and to accompany those who have nothing and are oppressed by the system,” his relatives stated.
In his professional career, Meléndez advocated for the independence of journalistic work and the demand for decent conditions for those who practice the profession. “Journalism must not succumb to power and must continue to accompany social struggles in the world. The dream of better wages and conditions for journalists must come true, and the clarification of all crimes against journalists, from Manuel Buendía to the present day, must remain in force,” they added.
“The best way to honor his memory is to fight for what he fought for in life with love and affection. As always, the struggle continues,” they stated on behalf of Rosi, Lucía, Mauricio, Azul, Valeria, Jas, Bruno, Milo, Alejandro, Luna, and Montserrat.
On behalf of Rosi, Lucía, Mauricio, Azul, Valeria, Jas, Bruno, Milo, Alejandro, Luna, and Montserrat, we inform you that, unfortunately, our father, partner, grandfather, friend, left-wing journalist, and social fighter, Jorge Meléndez, passed away today. It is a sad day, but…
Jorge Meléndez, an economist trained at UNAM, was a professor at the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences (FCPyS) of the country's main university, and co-author of books such as “Assault on Heaven”, “What has not been said about '68”, and “Media, Democracy, and Aims”. Between 1969 and 1970, he studied at Patrice Lumumba University in Moscow; he was a member of the Mexican Communist Party from 1972 to 1981 and had a distinguished career of over half a century in the media.
He worked at Radio Educación, in the coordination of news and in various programs of the station; he was director of the Mexican Journal of Communication, a columnist for La Jornada de Oriente, El Independiente, and a collaborator for the Zócalo Magazine.
In recent days, the account Periodistas Unidos reported on the journalist's delicate health condition and requested donations to cover his hospital expenses. After his death, the family thanked the support and messages of affection.
“We want to thank from the heart every person who has accompanied us with their presence, their messages, and their affection. Thank you for your donations, which have been an invaluable support for our family in these sensitive days. Every gesture, every word, and every show of solidarity have meant more than we can express. It comforts us to know that we are not alone, and that the life of the one we say goodbye to today left such a big mark on so many people,” they stated on Saturday in a publication.
