Mexico: Gunmen kill journalist in attack in Iguala August 3

Event

Gunmen killed journalist Paulo Morrugares and his bodyguard in an attack in Iguala (Guerrero state) on Monday morning, August 3. The deceased were at a restaurant at the time of the attack, which took place soon after midnight (local time). The motive of the attack is not clear at this time, although journalists have been targeted in Mexico in the past.

Further violent attacks are likely in Guerrero state over the near term.

Context

Morrugares was the editor of PM Noticias, an online publication focusing on crime and police news in Guerrero. Pressure group Reporters Without Borders report that he is the fourth journalist to be killed in Mexico this year, whereas the Federation of Latin American Journalists believe the figure to be seven.

Advice

Those engaged in journalistic activities in Mexico are advised to maintain a heightened sense of caution and situational awareness at all times, and report any suspicious items or activity to authorities immediately.

Due to extreme levels of violence linked to the presence of various armed groups, some Western governments advise against travel to various parts of Mexico: notably, the states of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas, as well as the northeastern border with the US.