Key facts
- Journalist Francisco Leyva was found dead in Oaxaca on Wednesday.
- His death marks the fourth killing of a journalist in Mexico since June.
- Leyva's reporting focused on government corruption and violence linked to criminal groups.
- Mexico is considered one of the most dangerous countries for journalists outside war zones.
- At least five journalists have been killed in Mexico in 2026.
Francisco Leyva, a 60-year-old journalist who reported on government corruption and violence linked to criminal groups in the southern state of Oaxaca, was found dead on Wednesday. His killing marks at least the fourth murder of a journalist in Mexico since June, according to the state's Attorney General's Office.
The state prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into Leyva's death and sought assistance from the Special Prosecutor's Office for Crimes Against Freedom of Expression. Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara stated on social media that Leyva was a journalist critical of the government.
Mexico is recognized as one of the most dangerous countries globally for journalists operating outside active war zones, with press freedom groups noting that the majority of crimes against journalists go unpunished. In early July, authorities confirmed that the remains found in Veracruz belonged to journalist Roxana Guzmán, who had been kidnapped a month prior by an armed group. Additionally, journalists Luis Angel Lopez and Manuel Moreno were killed in June in connection with their reporting, according to the organization Article 19. So far in 2026, at least five journalists have been killed, and last year saw seven journalist killings, according to Article 19 data. Reporters Without Borders registered nine journalist killings in Mexico last year, making it the deadliest year in the past three.