The murder of Mexican journalist Miguel Ángel Beltrán has reignited anger and despair across Mexico’s media community, as yet another reporter has paid the ultimate price for exposing the violent power of the country’s criminal organizations. Beltrán’s killing marks the 13th journalist slain in Mexico this year, cementing its reputation as one of the most dangerous places in the world to practice journalism.

Beltrán, aged 60, was found dead in the northern state of Durango, a region long dominated by warring drug cartels. His body, discovered after two days missing, was wrapped in sheets and accompanied by a note that read: “For spreading lies about the people of Durango.” Investigators believe the message was meant to intimidate other reporters who cover organized crime.

Beltrán had spent decades reporting on the local economy, labor disputes, and-most recently-the violent turf wars between rival criminal groups that have plunged Durango and surrounding states into chaos. His last piece, according to colleagues, detailed escalating clashes between the Sinaloa Cartel and local splinter groups over drug routes and control of rural territories.

Beltrán was more than a journalist; he was a respected voice in his community. He had worked for several local outlets including Contexto de Durango and Meganoticias, and previously served as a spokesman for the National Union of Education Workers in neighboring Coahuila. Friends describe him as fearless yet humble-a man who believed in using his pen to serve the public good.

“He wasn’t chasing fame or money,” said one of his colleagues, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns. “He just wanted to document what was happening in our communities, to give people a voice. That’s what made him a target.”

Durango has long been a dangerous region........

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