Mexican journalist famous for writing about organised crime is shot dead in the street
He is the fifth reporter slain in recent months
A Mexican journalist renowned for his coverage of organised crime was gunned down on Monday in the lawless state of Sinaloa, the fifth reporter killed in recent months in the country as authorities struggle to contain resurgent bloodshed among warring drug cartels.
Javier Valdez was shot and killed when assailants opened fire on his car in the state capital Culiacan, according to RioDoce, the local media outlet he co-founded and where he continued to work.
Valdez also contributed dispatches to the national daily La Jornada and last year published a book about the dangers facing journalists who report honestly on the rampant crime and corruption gripping Mexico.
The news of Valdez’s slaying shook Mexican journalists who have already been alarmed by a spike in attacks against the press this year.
Last weekend a group of reporters said a large group including children bearing semi-automatic weapons took their equipment while they covered unrest in the state of Guerrero.