Skyline International Condemns Tragic Loss of Police Officer and Journalist in Mexico Gun Attack

Stockholm: Skyline International, expresses profound sorrow and strong condemnation in response to the recent armed attack that claimed the lives of a police officer and a journalist in northwestern Mexico.

In a devastating incident that unfolded a group of off-duty police officers in San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora state, near the United States border, was subjected to an armed assault. Tragically, during this attack, a police officer and journalist Jesus Gutierrez Vergara, affiliated with the Notiface news site, lost their lives. Three officers were wounded in the attack, and one officer succumbed to injuries, while Gutierrez Vergara, a neighbor engaged in conversation with the officers, was tragically killed.

This horrifying event underscores the alarming state of violence against journalists in Mexico. Skyline International is deeply troubled by the fact that this is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has reported that at least four other journalists have been murdered in Mexico just this year. More shockingly, since the turn of the millennium, over 150 journalists have fallen victim to violence in the country, with many of these cases remaining unresolved.

Mexico has long grappled with a dire security situation, with over 420,000 lives lost since the government deployed the army in 2006 to combat drug cartels. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the police officer and journalist to determine if their work in the media played a role in this tragic incident.

Skyline International emphasizes the urgent need for measures to safeguard the lives of journalists who continue to face grave risks while performing their essential duties. Mexico is widely recognized as one of the most perilous countries in the world for journalists, and this incident underscores the critical importance of defending press freedom and ensuring the safety of those who contribute to the free flow of information.

Skyline International stands in solidarity with the families of the victims and calls upon the Mexican authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this devastating attack. We urge the international community to remain vigilant in condemning violence against journalists and supporting efforts to protect their invaluable role in society.