Journalist murdered in Tabasco on death anniversary of Javier Valdez

Journalist and professor Juan Carlos Huerta Gutiérrez was shot to death yesterday morning.

With the passing of Huerta, the death toll of murdered journalists in Mexico has risen to five so far this year. Moreover, his homicide happened on the same date of the death anniversary of fellow slain journalist Javier Valdez .

The Inter American Press Association (SIP) condemned the murder of Huerta and described the crime as “aggravating,” given the political climate in the country.

Similarly, the National Human Rights Commission urged for a full investigation to be carried out, considering Huerta's work as a line of investigation.

According to early reports, Juan Carlos Huerta was driving his vehicle with a female companion when he was shot to death by unknown assailants. His companion survived the attack and asked called emergency services.

During a press conference, the head of the General Prosecutor’s Office of Tabasco Fernando Valenzuela announced that an investigation had been opened and that temporary protection measures had been implemented to protect Huerta's family, activating the mechanism for the protection of journalists.

“They came to kill him,” said Tabasco Governor Arturo Núñez, dismissing that Huerta could have been the victim of an armed robbery.

Last year, Reporters without Borders issued a report in which they ranked Mexico as the "most dangerous country for journalists," together with Syria.

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