Father Marcelo Perez, a Catholic priest known for his activism in defence of Indigenous and labour rights in Mexico, was tragically killed after leaving church services in the state of Chiapas. The Jesuits, Perez’s religious order, described him as a symbol of resistance who had tirelessly defended the dignity and rights of the people for decades.
The killing of Perez comes during a period of heightened violence in Chiapas, with about 500 murders recorded in the state between January and August of this year. Perez was not only an advocate for Indigenous and farmworkers’ rights but also a vocal critic of organised criminal groups operating in the region.
Authorities and human rights organizations in Mexico have long condemned the violent harassment and intimidation faced by rights activists and Indigenous land defenders. Perez himself, a member of the Tzotzil Indigenous peoples, had served his community for two decades and was known for his ability to settle disputes, particularly over land.
Governor Rutilio Escandon of Chiapas vowed to ensure that the perpetrators of Perez’s murder are held accountable, calling the assassination “cowardly”. However, in Mexico, the vast majority of homicides go unsolved, highlighting the challenges faced by those advocating for justice and rights in the country.
The United Nations human rights office in Mexico noted that Perez had faced growing threats and acts of criminalization due to his work in favour of justice and Indigenous rights. The situation underscores the risks and challenges faced by activists and defenders in Mexico, where advocacy for land, territorial, and environmental rights is met with violence and intimidation.
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