Mexico: Foreign national killed in Palenque, Chiapas State, July 1

Event

Unidentified assailants shot and killed an Italian national in Palenque, Chiapas State, July 1. Assailants reportedly shot him from motorcycles as he was traveling in his car near La Escriba School, in the Lomas de Pakal neighborhood. The victim owned a local business and reportedly faced demands for protection money from criminal organizations. Authorities are currently investigating the case.

Palenque is 108 km (67 miles) northeast of San Cristobal de las Casas.

Context

Violent crime has been rising in Chiapas State in recent months. Reports indicate that gangs in the region practice extortion, threatening violence if businesses refuse to pay. On June 14, a shooting incident was reported in San Cristobal de las Casas, also in Chiapas State; dozens of armed criminals fought over control of Mercado del Norte in the city. The shooting lasted several hours before police arrived in the area.