VIDEO: Motorcycle of journalist burned in Ixtacomirán, Chiapas; mayor held responsible

A journalist’s motorcycle was set on fire early Friday morning in Ixtacomitán, Chiapas, according to reports. The vehicle belonged to Jesús Ovando Reyes, who posted on social media shortly after the incident, accusing the local mayor, Miguel Ángel Moreno Palacios of the National Regeneration Movement (Morena), of being responsible for the attack. The incident occurred during the early hours of Friday near Ovando Reyes' home in Ixtacomitán, located in northern Chiapas. The journalist described the situation as tragic and expressed frustration over the lack of security in his municipality. He questioned the authorities’ commitment to safety, stating, “Where is the security they always talk about?” He accused the mayor of negligence and complicity, suggesting that the attack was a response to his reporting on local issues. Ovando Reyes, who has 63,000 followers on his page, directly implicated Moreno Palacios in the act, saying, “You are the one directly responsible, Miguel Ángel Moreno Palacios, not just for this, but for everything happening in Ixtacomitán, Chiapas.” He warned that if anything were to happen to him or his family because of his criticism of the mayor, he would hold Moreno Palacios and his team accountable, adding that evidence supports his claims. Despite the incident, the State Attorney's Office in Chiapas had not commented on the burning of the journalist’s motorcycle by late Friday morning. There was no indication that additional security measures would be taken for Ovando Reyes. The journalist himself did not mention plans to file a formal complaint with the District Attorney’s office. This is not the first time journalists have faced threats in the region. On July 1, another journalist, Marcos Ramos, administrator of Real Cintalapa, was shot at and hospitalized, currently undergoing recovery. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about press freedom and personal safety for reporters operating in Chiapas. Local officials have not publicly responded to the accusations made by Ovando Reyes. The mayor, Miguel Ángel Moreno Palacios, has not issued a statement regarding the allegations or the attack on the journalist’s property. Meanwhile, the community continues to await official responses and actions from both local and state authorities. Residents of Ixtacomitán have long voiced dissatisfaction with local governance, citing issues such as mismanagement of resources and neglect of infrastructure. These grievances often surface in local media coverage, which can lead to tensions between journalists and local leaders. The recent attacks on two journalists have intensified these concerns, raising questions about the broader implications for free speech and journalistic independence in the area. Authorities have been urged to address the growing unrest and ensure the safety of individuals who speak out against local corruption or inefficiency. Until then, the situation remains unresolved, with the journalist continuing to demand accountability from those in power.