World's Press Outraged by Latest Journalist Killings in Mexico

The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the World Editors Forum wrote to Mexican President Felipe Calderón on Friday – their second protest to the president in a week -- to express outrage at the killings, and to call for urgent investigations into the murders.

“We are serious concerned at the horrific levels of violence facing journalists in Mexico and, in particular, in Veracruz State,” said the letter, which called on the president to ensure that investigations into the murders are swiftly carried out and the perpetrators are brought to justice.

At least 43 journalists have been murdered in Mexico since Mr Calderón took office. “In very few cases have the perpetrators been brought to justice and we are appalled at the climate of impunity that protects those who kill and threaten journalists,” the letter said.

Mexico’s bloody recent history continued on Thursday with the discovery of the dismembered remains of Gabriel Huge, Guillermo Luna and Esteban Rodríguez in a canal in the port of Veracruz. A fourth victim – Irasema Becerra, believed to be the girlfriend of Mr Luna -- was also uncovered. 

The gruesome discovery comes less than a week after the murder in the same state of journalist Regina Martinez. Eight journalists have been killed in the past 18 months in Veracruz alone.