Missing Mexican journalist found dead

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 12 February 2014

Mexican journalist Gregorio Jimenez, abducted a week ago, has been found dead in Veracruz. His killing highlights the ongoing dangers faced by journalists in the region.

Summary

The body of Mexican journalist Gregorio Jimenez, who was kidnapped a week ago, has been found buried in the town of Las Choapas, in eastern Veracruz state, the BBC reported Wednesday.

Mr Jimenez was abducted by masked gunmen from his home in Coatzacoalcos.

The journalist, who worked for news agency Notisur and newspaper El Liberal del Sur, had been writing about a wave of kidnappings in the area, BBC said.

Killings of journalists are not uncommon in Mexico, where gangs often target those who cover the crime beat.

An official said Gregorio Jimenez's body was found on Tuesday buried alongside two other bodies, which have not yet been identified.

Police have arrested several people in connection with the killing, including one of Mr Jimenez's neighbors.

Following his abduction on 5 February, his colleagues had launched a social media campaign calling for his safe return.

The BBC's Mexico correspondent Will Grant says news of his killing has caused outrage in the country, with many calling for the resignation of Veracruz's governor, Javier Duarte de Ochoa.

At least a dozen journalists have been killed or gone missing in Veracruz since 2010.  

KEY POINTS:

• Gregorio Jimenez was kidnapped from his home in Coatzacoalcos.
• His body was discovered buried alongside two unidentified bodies.
• Several arrests have been made in connection with his murder.
• Colleagues launched a social media campaign for his return.
• The case has sparked demands for the Veracruz governor's resignation.