A journalist who covered Mexican cartel crime was found dead on a highway outside of a popular tourist hub over the weekend, according to international newswire service AFP. Local law enforcement said a note left by the cartels was also found.
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The body of Miguel Angel Beltran, a former print reporter who had since moved to covering cartels on social media, was found on Oct. 25 along a highway in the state of Durango, according to Diario de Yucatan. His body was identified a day later.
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Since 1992, 2,479 journalists have been killed, CPJ reports. Since 2006, 85% of journalist murders have gone unpunished, a UNESCO analysis found.
The paper also notes that the 60-year-old Beltran was also a spokesperson for the National Union of Education Workers (SNTE) of Coahuila.
His body was reportedly found near Mazatlan, a popular tourist destination in Sinaloa. His cause of death was not made public.
Beltran reported on TikTok and had more than 27,000 followers on Facebook.
One of his last stories was about the arrest of the leader of the Cabrera Sarabia crime syndicate. The organization, according to CBS News, is a rival to the Sinaloa and Jalisco Nueva Generación cartels.
The note
The cartel reportedly left a note on Beltran’s body that read: “For spreading false accusations against the people of Durango,” AFP confirmed with local officials.
Beltran’s body was also reportedly wrapped in a blanket when he was found.
Mexican journalists in danger
Journalism is a dangerous profession in Mexico. According to Article 19, seven journalists have been killed in Mexico this year alone.
Reporters Without Borders estimates more than 150 media members have been killed in Mexico since 1994.
