Mexico Jails Two Attackers for 2022 Shooting of Journalist Ciro Gómez Leyva

A federal judge in Mexico City has sentenced Israel Jiménez Ávila, alias “El Yeye,” and Juan Antonio Cisneros Morales, alias “El Dedos,” to 11 years and one month in prison and a fine of about 37,000 pesos after finding them guilty of attempted homicide and criminal association in the 2022 attack on prominent journalist Ciro Gómez Leyva. Gómez Leyva was ambushed on 15 December 2022 while driving home when gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire. The broadcaster survived because his vehicle was armoured, an incident that underscored the persistent risks facing the Mexican press. The Attorney General’s Office (FGR) said the latest ruling brings the number of people convicted in connection with the attack to 11. The press-freedom unit FEADLE, which took over the case citing an intent to curtail free expression, has indicated that statements from defendants point to an order from alleged Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” although the alleged mastermind has not been charged in the case.