Press release

UNESCO Director-General condemns killing of journalist Luis Martín Sánchez Íñiguez in Mexico

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, has condemned the killing of Luis Martín Sánchez Íñiguez in Tepic, the capital city of the state of the coastal state of Nayarit, Mexico, on 8 July.

12 July 2023

Last update:17 July 2023

I condemn the killing of Luis Martín Sánchez Iñiguez. Attacks on journalists are leading to the creation of silent-zones where journalists are self-censoring, and where citizens are deprived of access to free and pluralistic information. I call on the authorities to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of this kidnapping and murder.

Audrey AzoulayUNESCO Director-General

Sánchez Iñiguez was reported missing on 7 July after being abducted from his home in El Armadillo on 5 July. His phone, media accreditation and professional computer were also taken. The body of the missing journalist was found on 8 July in the outskirts of the state capital, Tepic.

Luis Martín Sánchez Iñiguez was a regional correspondent for the leading Mexican newspaper, La Jornada. He was also a contributor to the digital media outlet, Crítica Digital.

UNESCO promotes the through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

UNESCO observatory of killed journalists