Mexico: Journalist Killed in Shooting in Oaxaca State
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
Oaxaca residents should rest assured that the government is doing everything in its power to track down and hold accountable those responsible for this heinous crime. In doing so, the state will spare no expense, deploying investigators, coordinating with federal prosecutors, and launching a comprehensive and transparent investigation. The criminals behind this attack will be brought to justice.
Government-critical narrative
Despite reporting death threats, the authorities did not lift a finger to protect Leyva, whose tragic death marks the murder of a seventh journalist in Mexico this year. While local and federal governments can talk a good game and respond after the fact, this does nothing to stop this atrocious cycle of violence. If it is to end, the government must take radical action to protect journalists here and now.