Abduction of journalist highlights dangers of reporting in Veracruz

Yet another Mexican journalist has disappeared in Veracruz, the most dangerous state for reporters in a country where the press is under constant threat from corrupt officials and organized crime.

José Moisés Sánchez Cerezo was abducted by nine armed men from his home in the municipality of Medellín de Bravo on the evening of Friday, January 2. The assailants, who were dressed in civilian clothes, also took his computer, camera and cell phone.

Sánchez is the owner of the weekly local print and online newspaper Unión de Barrial, where he wrote mostly about crime and corruption in local government. He has not been seen since he was dragged from his home and investigators are now awaiting the results of a DNA test on a body that was found in the area this week.

State prosecutors have questioned Medellín de Bravo’s entire police force over the kidnapping. Of 38 officers brought in to give statements, 13 are being held in custody, while state police officers have assumed control of the town.

Veracruz Attorney General Luis Ángel Bravo Contreras told the local press last week that his office is investigating whether Sánchez’s disappearance was linked to his activism and his work to denounce acts of corruption by the local authorities…

Click here to read this article in full at Latin Correspondent.