Mexican congressman assassinated as political violence continues

(CLO) A congressman was assassinated on Monday night in the Mexican state of Veracruz. This is the latest murder in a wave of political violence that has broken out in the country.

The Veracruz state prosecutor's office confirmed the death of Benito Aguas, a member of the left-wing ruling coalition in the 500-member US House of Representatives, in a social media post.

Another man, identified as Agustin Linares, was also found dead at the scene, the agency said. Local media reported that Mr. Aguas was shot multiple times in the mountainous city of Zongolica in central Veracruz and later died of his injuries.

A memorial for congressman Benito Aguas, who was assassinated on Monday night in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Photo: Reuters

Mr. Aguas is a member of the Mexican Green Party, part of the ruling coalition led by the Morena Party of President Claudia Sheinbaum, who took office in October.

President Sheinbaum said she had instructed security officials to work with the governor of Veracruz to ensure justice in the case. "We are very sorry for what happened," she said at a news conference.

Mexico has been hit by a wave of violence with hundreds of people killed in inter-state gang wars across the country, where gangs compete for lucrative smuggling routes and other criminal activities.

Politicians are frequently targeted, with dozens killed ahead of last June's general election.

The assassination of the mayor of the southern Mexican state of Guerrero just days after he took office in October sparked public outrage.

Hoang Hai (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nghi-si-mexico-bi-am-sat-trong-boi-canh-bao-luc-chinh-tri-van-tiep-dien-post325054.html