The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has condemned the killing of Mexican journalist, Josué Martínez Contreras, calling on authorities to ensure a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
UNESCO Director-General, Khaled El-Enany, described the attack as a grave assault on press freedom and reiterated the need to protect journalists who play a critical role in informing the public and strengthening democratic values across the world.
Martínez Contreras was killed on July 16, 2026, in San Martín Texmelucan, Puebla State, Mexico. He was widely recognized for his work across traditional and digital media platforms, where he reported on issues affecting his local community.
In a statement released by UNESCO, El-Enany stressed that impunity for crimes committed against journalists must not be tolerated, emphasizing that attacks on media professionals threaten not only individual lives but also the public’s fundamental right to access information.
“Journalists play a crucial role in informing the public and safeguarding freedom of expression. Impunity for crimes against them must not be tolerated,” the UNESCO Director-General stated.
UNESCO has formally requested Mexican authorities to provide updates on the judicial proceedings surrounding the case as part of the organization’s mandate to monitor the safety of journalists worldwide and promote accountability in crimes against media practitioners.
The killing has once again drawn international attention to the dangers faced by journalists in Mexico, which remains one of the world’s most perilous countries for media professionals. Press freedom advocates have continued to call for stronger legal protections and decisive action against violence targeting journalists.
UNESCO reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom globally, noting that safeguarding journalists is essential to preserving democratic societies and ensuring citizens have access to accurate and independent information.
The organization further urged authorities to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice for Josué Martínez Contreras and his family.
Reporting by NAS TV Africa – Manifesting Africa’s Greatness.
