A journalist was shot dead in Puebla, marking the sixth such case in 2026. Press freedom groups are demanding action. The attack happened near the victim’s home. No arrests have been reported.
Media professionals tracking press safety in Latin America are facing renewed concerns after the confirmed killing of Josué Martínez Contreras, director of Noticias San Martín Texmelucan, in Puebla. The incident, announced by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday, marks the sixth journalist murder in Mexico this year and the third in just one month.
Martínez Contreras, locally known as “the jaguar,” was shot and killed by two men on a motorcycle around 8 a.m. Thursday. The attack occurred just steps from his home in San Lucas Atoyatenco, Puebla, while his 13-year-old son was present but unharmed. Authorities have not made any arrests in connection with the case.
The murder has drawn sharp criticism from press freedom organizations, who argue that the ongoing violence against journalists threatens independent reporting and undermines public trust in local news. The lack of arrests and persistent danger for reporters in Mexico have become a focal point for advocacy groups demanding stronger protections and accountability.
Recent developments in Latin American newsrooms, including efforts to formalize editorial policies and manage risk, have been highlighted in related coverage such as this report on newsroom policy changes. These measures underscore the urgency for both institutional safeguards and government action to address journalist safety.
