MEXICO CITY.— This Monday, during its usual morning press conference, the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardopromised that there will be no impunity after the murder of the priest Marcelo Perezdefender of indigenous peoples in Chiapasa southern border state facing a wave of organized crime violence.
“I would like to express that we regret the homicide, the murder of Father Marcelo Pérez Pérez in San Cristobal de las Casas“The investigation is being carried out,” declared the president.
The Mexican leader asserted that on Sunday, after the homicide, the Secretary of the Interior, Rose Icela Rodriguez“was in communication with both the state government and the diocese and with the ecclesial authorities,” who have demanded justice for the crime.
President Claudia Sheinbaum (@Claudiashein) lamented the murder of the priest Marcelo Pérez Pérez, in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. and assured that they are coordinating to advance the investigation and that this crime does not go unpunished. pic.twitter.com/6gbpcAzaLR
— Emeequis (@emeequis) October 21, 2024
“And we are coordinating to advance the investigation so that this crime does not go unpunished,” Sheinbaum Pardo concluded without further details about the homicide.
The first official reports indicated on Sunday that Pérez Pérez, a Tzotzil indigenous person who denounced the violence of organized crime, was shot at least twice when he was in his vehicle in the Cuxtitali neighborhood, on Las Peras Street, in the east of the city. tourist attraction of San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Around 8:00 a.m. (2:00 p.m. GMT), residents reported constant gunshots, while witnesses indicated that armed individuals riding a motorcycle intercepted the priest, who had just celebrated a mass in the parish of Cuxtitali. .
The murder awakened condemnation of the Catholic Church and international organizations such as the Mexico Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (ONU-DH).
The UN-DH has documented at least 134 homicides of human rights defenders in possible relation to their work since 2017 in Mexico, with at least seven murders so far this year.
Indigenous peoples have denounced since 2023 an environment of “civil war” in Chiapas by organized crime groups that dispute drug and human trafficking on the southern border.
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**Interview with Human Rights Advocate Sofia Ramirez on the Murder of Priest Marcelo Pérez in Chiapas**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Sofia. Thank you for joining us today. The murder of Father Marcelo Pérez, a well-known advocate for indigenous rights in Chiapas, has shocked the nation. Claudia Sheinbaum has promised that there will be no impunity for this crime. What is your immediate reaction to the president’s statement?
**Sofia Ramirez:** Thank you for having me. This is indeed a tragic and alarming situation. Father Marcelo was not only a priest but also a crucial voice for the rights of indigenous communities in a region plagued by organized crime violence. While President Sheinbaum’s promise of no impunity is encouraging, it is essential that this commitment translates into concrete actions.
**Editor:** Sheinbaum mentioned that the Secretary of the Interior, Rose Icela Rodriguez, has been in communication with local authorities and the diocese. How important is this collaboration for the investigation?
**Sofia Ramirez:** Collaboration is vital. It can provide critical support for a thorough investigation and enhance trust between the communities and the government. However, this must go beyond just communication; it involves ensuring that resources are allocated for a comprehensive inquiry, as well as protection for those who may have information regarding the murder.
**Editor:** The current wave of violence due to organized crime poses significant challenges. What do you believe the government should prioritize to protect human rights advocates and indigenous leaders in such a dangerous climate?
**Sofia Ramirez:** First and foremost, there must be a robust protection mechanism for human rights defenders. This includes providing security, establishing safe channels for reporting threats, and creating legal frameworks that hold perpetrators accountable. Additionally, the government should engage with indigenous communities to understand their needs and risks better, fostering not just security but also empowerment.
**Editor:** many are calling for justice not just for Father Marcelo but for all victims of violence in Chiapas. How can the community support these calls for accountability and change?
**Sofia Ramirez:** Community support is crucial. Citizens can organize to demand justice, raise awareness through social media, and participate in peaceful demonstrations. Engaging with local and national media can amplify their voices. Furthermore, it’s essential to maintain pressure on the government to ensure that these promises of action do not fade away. Continuous advocacy and resistance can lead to meaningful change.
**Editor:** Thank you, Sofia, for your insights. It’s clear that while promises are made, there’s a long road ahead for justice and safety in Chiapas.
**Sofia Ramirez:** Thank you for bringing attention to this important issue. Justice for Father Marcelo and the protection of human rights in Mexico are essential for the future of the nation.
