PBI-Mexico accompanied Espacio OSC condemn the murders of defender Cristino Castro Perea and journalist Kristian Uriel Martínez

Published by Brent Patterson on March 5, 2025

On March 4, the Civil Society Organizations Space for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists (Espacio OSC) posted:

“The organizations that make up the Espacio OSC express our deep indignation and energetic condemnation of the recent murders of human rights defender Cristino Castro Perea and journalist Kristian Uriel Martínez.

Cristino Castro Perea, who was part of the collective “Environmental Defenders of Barra de la Cruz” in Oaxaca, was murdered on Friday, February 28, in the community of Barra de la Cruz, Santiago Astata, Oaxaca.

Kristian Uriel Martínez Zavala, journalist and director of El Silaoense MX, was murdered on March 2 in Guanajuato.

Both had received protection measures, derived from previous aggressions against them, but these were not effective in preventing the attempts on their lives. The authorities knew the level of risk to which both were exposed, and despite that there was no forceful response. The murders and impunity that persist in the attacks against human rights defenders and journalists must be addressed.

We call on the authorities to carry out an urgent review of the shortcomings presented in the framework of the collective protection plan and to urgently strengthen the Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists, as well as to improve coordination between the different states through a National Public Policy for Protection.

We demand that the corresponding prosecutors’ offices advance promptly and efficiently in the investigations of these crimes, taking as a primary line of investigation their work in defense of human rights and freedom of expression. It is imperative that international standards are followed in the treatment of these cases and that the necessary efforts are made to bring those responsible for these violent acts to justice.”

Their full statement can be read here.

Espacio OSC is accompanied by Peace Brigades International (PBI) – Mexico Project.