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Padre Marcelo, of Indigenous Tzotzil origins, was assassinated on 20 October in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. He was shot by two masked men on a motorcycle, while he was in his car driving to mass.
“The WCC is deeply concerned about the threats and violence that many human rights and environmental defenders face in Mexico,” said Pillay. “Among these courageous and committed individuals are numerous religious leaders like Padre Marcelo who face great risks for their defense of peace and justice, in Mexico and elsewhere in the Latin American region.”
Pillay urged Mexican authorities to ensure that those responsible for Padre Marcelo’s murder are brought to justice, and that more is done to protect threatened human rights defenders in southern Mexico so that they can carry out their essential work without threats to their safety.
“The WCC reiterates our solidarity and support for all local religious leaders who work to overcome social injustices and inequalities, and to promote dialogue, peace, and reconciliation,” concluded Pillay.
