UNESCO has condemned the Mexican journalist killing involving Josué Martínez Contreras. It also called on authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into his death.
Martínez Contreras was founder and director of the digital news platform Noticias San Martín Texmelucan. He was shot near his home in Puebla State on July 16, 2026.
According to The Punch, the journalist was attacked in front of his son in San Martín Texmelucan.
UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany described the killing as unacceptable and urged Mexican authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible.
“I condemn the killing of Josué Martínez Contreras. Impunity for crimes against journalists must not be tolerated, as it only emboldens the perpetrators,” El-Enany said.
He also called on the authorities to take stronger measures to prevent similar attacks against media professionals.
Journalist had raised security concerns
Reports said Martínez Contreras had previously expressed concern about his safety.
In a video published in November 2025, he alleged that his life was under threat because of his reporting.
His work focused on security issues, municipal administration and public services in the region.
The earlier warning has renewed questions about whether authorities received any formal complaint. Furthermore, it raises questions about what protection, if any, was provided before the attack.
UNESCO said the killing further highlighted the dangers journalists face while reporting on sensitive issues.
Six journalists killed in Mexico in 2026
The UNESCO Observatory of Killed Journalists said Martínez Contreras was the sixth journalist killed in Mexico in 2026.
He was also the third media worker killed in the country during July alone.
The latest Mexican journalist killing has intensified concerns about press freedom and the safety of reporters. This is especially true for those covering crime, politics and government activities.
UNESCO said failure to punish those responsible for attacks on journalists could encourage further violence and weaken independent reporting.
The organisation promotes journalists’ safety through public awareness campaigns, training programmes and international partnerships.
It also coordinates efforts under the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
UNESCO urged the Mexican government to ensure that the investigation into Martínez Contreras’ death remains transparent. Moreover, it stressed the need for the investigation to lead to justice for his family.
