Hamurabi Huesca Manzano, a journalist and taxi driver, was shot dead in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca on Friday. The killing marks the ninth journalist death in Mexico this year, according to human rights organisation Article 19.
The state prosecutor’s office reported that an armed group opened fire on Manzano and two others. One of the victims was a man known as “El Dario,” who was wounded in the attack and later died in hospital. Authorities believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute between local criminal groups, with El Dario as the intended target.
Details of the shooting and investigation
According to prosecutors, Manzano was working as a taxi driver and was waiting to transport El Dario when the attack occurred. The prosecutor’s office stated the attackers have been “fully identified,” but did not disclose their names or clarify whether Manzano’s journalism was a factor in the killing.
Local reports vary on the exact location of the shooting. Some accounts say Manzano was shot at his home, and that a woman was also injured during the incident.
Reactions from officials and rights groups
Article 19 condemned the killing and urged the prosecutor’s office to prioritise Manzano’s journalistic work in its investigation. On social media, the organisation demanded justice for the slain journalist.
The mayor of San Miguel Tlacamama, Antonio Olmedo Mendoza, confirmed Manzano’s death and expressed condolences. He stated, “With deep sorrow, I regret the passing of Hamurabi Sinclair Huesca Manzano,” and extended sympathy to his family, friends, and colleagues.
