A Mexican journalist who reported on drug cartels was found dead Saturday on a highway with a note beside his body, a information outlet he labored for reported.
Miguel Ángel Beltrán’s body was wrapped in a blanket on a highway connecting Durango state to Mazatlán, a metropolis within the cartel-plagued Sinaloa state, in accordance to the information website Contexto de Durango.
The outlet reported that the journalist was recognized by his son, who final noticed him on Thursday once they left for work.
A note was found next to his body that reportedly learn, “For spreading false accusations against the people of Durango,” in accordance to native media.
NCS couldn’t independently affirm the contents of the message, however such notes are sometimes left by cartels as warnings to anybody who would dare cross them.
NCS has reached out to the state prosecutor’s workplace for extra data.
Beltrán had labored for varied media shops, together with Contexto. He additionally operated a weblog and TikTok account the place he covered crime-related information and different subjects.
Several days earlier than his demise, he posted a video on TikTok concerning the arrest of a suspected gang chief.
“We deeply regret the passing of our fellow journalist, Miguel Ángel Beltrán,” Contexto stated in a statement. “The Contexto de Durango team joins in the grief that overwhelms his family and friends, wishing them strength and swift acceptance in the face of this irreparable loss.”
Mexico is among the world’s most harmful nations for journalists, in accordance to Reporters Without Borders.
Beltrán is the ninth journalist to have been killed within the nation this 12 months, the group says.
The Inter American Press Association condemned Beltrán’s demise and urged authorities to “ensure that his murder does not go unpunished.”