Mexican radio journalist brutally killed in Veracruz state

A Mexican radio journalist has been shot dead in the Mexican Gulf Coast state of Veracruz. Jacinto Romero Flores was killed in the Potrerillo community, in the Ixtaczoquitlan community, said Hugo Gutierrez Maldonado, head of the Veracruz state security agency, on Twitter. Gutierrez said state police conducted an operation in the region after the murder.

"We repeat that there will be no exception and also that we will not allow anyone to threaten the people," Gutierrez declared.

Romero was a correspondent for Ori Stereo 99.3 FM. The station expressed its grief over his death.

"The media are not the cause after the effect of violence in the country, but we are suffering the consequences for journalism and communication," it said in an announcement.

The State Commission for the Attention and Protection of Journalists has condemned the murder and called on the public prosecutor to open a full investigation. Press freedom organization Article 19 said Romero was facing threats.

[caption id="attachment_37002" align="aligncenter" width="659"] A man lights a candle during a vigil to protest against the murder of Mexican radio journalist Jacinto Romero in Orizaba, Veracruz state.[/caption]

The US-based Committee for the Protection of Journalists said on Twitter that it "learns and completely denounces the murder of reporter Jacinto Romero in Veracruz and requests the authorities to conduct a quick, transparent and diligent investigation into the murder".

Veracruz has for years been one of the deadliest states in Mexico for reporters. Multiple organized crime groups work in the state and have infiltrated local and state governments.

Journalists are marching late Thursday in the port city of Veracruz in response to Romero's murder.Press groups say nine media persons, journalists were murdered in Mexico in 2020. With all the criminal activities against journalists, Mexico has become the most dangerous nation for reporters outside war zones. Romero is at least the fifth reported to be shot dead in Mexico this year.

Before Romero was assassinated, at least 141 journalists in the country have been killed for their work since 2000, according to a review of Article 19.

Earlier this month, the Jalisco New Generation cartel publicly warned to kill a famous television news anchor.