Journalist Hamurabi Huesca Manzano Killed in Oaxaca, Mexico

Hamurabi Huesca Manzano, a journalist and taxi driver, was shot dead in Oaxaca, Mexico, marking the ninth journalist killed in the country this year, according to the human rights organization Article 19. The incident occurred on Friday when an armed group opened fire on Huesca Manzano and two others. The state prosecutor's report indicated that one line of inquiry suggests a dispute between local criminal groups, with a man known as 'El Dario' being the intended target of the shooting. El Dario, known for instigating violence on the Oaxaca coast, was wounded in the attack and later died in the hospital. Prosecutors stated that Huesca Manzano was waiting to take El Dario somewhere when he was shot. The prosecutor's office noted that the attackers have been 'fully identified' but did not disclose their names or whether Huesca Manzano's journalistic work was a factor in the incident. Local reports vary regarding the location of the attack, with some stating that Huesca Manzano was shot at his home and that a woman was also injured. Article 19 condemned the killing and called for the prosecutor's office to prioritize Huesca Manzano's journalistic work in the investigation. The mayor of San Miguel Tlacamama, Antonio Olmedo Mendoza, confirmed Huesca Manzano's death and expressed condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. Mexico is considered one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, with over 150 media workers killed since 1994, according to Reporters Without Borders.