Priest's murder in Chiapas sparks national outrage
Dramatic scenes after mass in Mexico. Drug cartels murdered father Marcelo Perez. The Jesuit was known for countering violence and drug addiction. The crime was condemned by the country's president, Claudia Sheinbaum.
The tragedy occurred after mass in the town of San cristóbal de las Casas in the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico. Fr. Marcelo perez was shot by members of the drug mafia. The priest worked for the Tzotzil, an Indigenous ethnic group of the Mayan family. He himself was from their community.
The priest was known for fighting drug cartels. He condemned crime and drug addiction. He repeatedly urged young, aspiring gangsters to "repent and follow the path of lawfulness."
In many towns and communities, the violence is unbearable. there are many dead, many displaced. this is concerning. organized crime recruits the youth, and young people are in danger, said the priest at one of his masses.
According to mexican media reports, the perpetrators fired at the priest at least four times while on a motorcycle.
Mexicans in shock after priest's murder. President's reaction
The newspaper "El Sol de Mexico" quotes representatives of the Jesuit order in Mexico, who believe the crime is "part of a wave of violence" targeted at the local community. Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum also addressed the issue.
Sworn in on October 1st, the politician firmly condemned the crime committed by members of the Mexican cartel. Sheinbaum stated that those responsible for the priest's murder will be caught and punished according to Mexican law.
