VILLAHERMOSA, Tabasco — A Mexican journalist was killed on Tuesday in the southern state of Tabasco amid deepening violence in one of the world’s most dangerous countries for reporters, Reuters news agency reported.
Juan Carlos Huerta, a news radio host, was shot dead by armed men as he drove from his home in the state capital of Villahermosa, authorities said. The attackers escaped, officials said.
Huerta had started his own radio station several months ago, two of his colleagues said.
“In the case of Juan Carlos, he was a leading communicator in his field … and I can say it, a friend. I am deeply saddened,” Tabasco state Governor Arturo Nunez told reporters.
So far this year, at least four journalists from states marred by worsening violence and the presence of criminal gangs have been killed in Mexico. Last year, 12 reporters were killed, according to free-speech advocacy group Article 19.
Article 19 has said Mexico is the most dangerous country in Latin America for journalists, with the number of killings similar to war zones like Syria.
Source: Reuters news agency
