Roxana Guzmán: Calls to Find Journalist Kidnapped in Veracruz

We begin once again in Veracruz, where the search for journalist Roxana Guzmán Ramírez continúes. As we reported here previously, she was abducted on Tuesday while at her home in Nanchital. The entire incident was captured on video. 

Hooded intruders broke down her door, entered her home, and dragged her away. The Veracruz State Attorney General’s Office continues to compile its investigative file, while her family endures moments of agonizing uncertainty. 

“Yes, it was 6:00 in the morning—or maybe 6:05, something like that. We were rushing to get the kids ready for school.” “They couldn’t do anything to stop them right there?” “No, no, no. Well, they beat me, kicked me, struck me with a weapon, and threw me to the floor.” “Well, they haven’t offered us any information whatsoever, folks. Whether she is alive or dead—we know nothing. Honestly, I feel terrible; I don’t even know what to do.” 

Indeed, organizations representing communicators, journalists, and Roxana Guzmán’s former colleagues have expressed their deep concern and urged authorities to expedite efforts to locate her. They issue a forceful appeal to all authorities to ensure the safe recovery—alive—of the Nanchital-based communicator, Roxana Berenice Guzmán. 

We call upon the Attorney General’s Office to determine whether this line of investigation suggests that her abduction stems from any form of retaliation or repression linked to her journalistic work. As colleagues in the media, we, too, are deeply concerned about this situation. 

As of now, the motives and underlying causes remain unknown. It’s not our place to pass judgment on our colleague’s past; however, the events currently unfolding are extremely sensitive in nature, and we remain hopeful that she will be found safe and sound. 

Meanwhile, a significant operational deployment of National Guard and Defense Ministry personnel can be observed throughout the streets of Nanchital, as they patrol various thoroughfares in accordance with established search protocols. Furthermore, the State Secretariat of Public Security has cordoned off the specific area where the incident took place. 

“A formal notification regarding this case has already been submitted to the Commission. Additionally, I have coordinated with the Secretariat of Public Security to ensure that an urgent security protocol is immediately extended to the family. 

We have received assurances that the family is currently under official protection.” In a statement, the Nanchital City Council in Veracruz urged the population to remain calm, allow operational activities to proceed, and heed the instructions of the authorities at all times.

Sources: NMás, Cartel Insider Archives