Mexican radio journalist killed; 32nd in past 5 1/2 years

MEXICO CITY – A radio news host was shot to death Tuesday in southern Mexico, bringing to at least 32 the number of Mexican journalists killed the past 5 1/2 years.

Fernando Valenzuela, the chief prosecutor of the Gulf coast state of Tabasco, said radio host Juan Carlos Huerta was killed in his car by gunmen travelling in another vehicle.

The attackers pulled up to Huerta’s car, then ran into the vehicle, forcing him to stop. A man got out and shot Huerta before fleeing. Two .45-calibre shell casings were found at the scene.

The killing did not seem to be random or robbery-related, Tabasco Gov. Arturo Nunez said.

“They apparently went to execute him,” said the governor, who described Huerta as a friend.

The attack occurred as Huerta left his home in Villahermosa, the Tabasco state capital.

Mexico’s National Human Rights Commission and the Inter-American Press Society condemned the killing. The latter noted that the murder occurred on the one-year anniversary of the killing of internationally-recognized Mexican journalist Javier Valdez.

The Inter-American Press Society said that Huerta was the director of the radio show “Panorama without Reservations” and anchored a television newscast in Tabasco state.

Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.