Catholic Priest Marcelo Pérez Assassinated in Chiapas

Father Marcelo Pérez, a prominent Catholic priest and human rights defender, was assassinated in Chiapas, Mexico, a region plagued by cartel violence. Known for his activism against drug trafficking and support for Indigenous rights, Pérez had received multiple threats prior to his murder. He was shot by two gunmen on a motorcycle after celebrating Mass, an act condemned by international and local organizations, including the Mexican Bishops' Conference and the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Chiapas public prosecutor's office identified the alleged murderer using security footage and witness testimony. Pérez's death underscores the growing violence in Chiapas, exacerbated by battles between the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels. Federal authorities have taken over the investigation, indicating the potential involvement of organized crime.