Statements, Calls for Justice, and Six Arrests Mark 27 Days Since the Abduction of Journalist Roxana Guzmán
Statements, calls for justice, and six arrests have marked the 27 days since the abduction of Roxana Berenice Guzmán Ramírez, a journalist from Nanchital, Veracruz. Authorities have reported that the search for her continues, along with the ongoing investigation into the case.
Following the transfer of the journalist’s case file to the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR), several arrests have been made in connection with the incident. However, Roxana’s family has expressed uncertainty regarding the progress of the investigation.
Here is what has happened in recent days regarding the case of Roxana Guzmán, who was beaten, handcuffed, and forcibly taken from her home to an unknown location on June 2 in the municipality of Nanchital.
1. “No One from the FGR Has Contacted Me”: Roxana’s Mother
As of Monday, June 15, the Federal Attorney General’s Office had not contacted Roxana Guzmán’s family. Her mother, Rubiciela Ramírez, stated that although the federal agency had requested her daughter’s investigation file from the Veracruz State Prosecutor’s Office, she learned about the transfer through social media.
“Unfortunately, I found out through social media, and it is very sad that neither the authorities nor anyone called to say, ‘Ma’am, from this moment on, we are from the Federal Attorney General’s Office, we will be handling the case, trust our work,’ or anything like that. It’s already Monday, and I don’t know who I should contact, who is searching for her, whether there are operations underway, whether the police are still conducting patrols—I honestly don’t know,” Roxana’s mother said on June 15.
Three days earlier, the Veracruz State Attorney General, Lisbeth Aurelia Jiménez Aguirre, stated during a press conference that the FGR had requested the investigation file on June 10 and that it had been handed over on June 12.
Up to that point, authorities had focused their public statements on the search and the investigation. However, it was not until June 26 that they confirmed the arrest of six individuals allegedly connected to Roxana’s abduction, including four municipal police officers.
2. Alleged Kidnapper Arrested
Investigative authorities confirmed the arrest of the first suspect connected to Roxana Guzmán’s disappearance on June 26. The suspect was identified as José del Carmen “N,” also known as “Delta 7,” who is accused of being one of the kidnappers who forcibly removed the journalist from her home on the morning of June 2.
According to authorities, José del Carmen “N” was allegedly one of the two individuals captured on surveillance video entering Roxana’s home while her parents and other relatives were inside. Tattoos on his right hand were identified as a key piece of evidence linking him to the crime.
Authorities also seized a firearm, a motorcycle, and quantities of illegal drugs during his arrest.
3. Four Municipal Police Officers from Ixhuatlán del Sureste Arrested
Following the arrest of “Delta 7,” authorities announced later that same day the arrest of four municipal police officers from Ixhuatlán del Sureste. Investigators allege that the officers provided information regarding the route taken by the vehicle used in Roxana’s abduction.
The officers were identified as Ismael “N,” Juan Carlos “N,” Luis Enrique “N,” and Julio César “N.” On June 29, relatives of the detained officers organized a protest along the Coatzacoalcos–Villahermosa highway demanding their release.
Municipal authorities confirmed that the commander of the police department was among those arrested. However, they stated that they had not yet been officially informed of the reasons for the arrests but would cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
4. Ranch Located in Moloacán; Family Demands Information
After José del Carmen “N” was arrested, authorities located a ranch in the municipality of Moloacán, less than 20 kilometers from Nanchital, where Roxana was abducted. Search operations are currently being conducted at the site, although authorities have not officially reported any discoveries.
Following reports about the ranch, local media claimed that human remains had been found and could be related to the journalist. However, Roxana’s family stated that authorities had not confirmed that the remains belonged to her and urged officials to provide accurate information in order to prevent speculation.
In an official statement, the family emphasized that they had not received any official notification regarding Roxana’s whereabouts and that they continue to await the results of the investigation and the legal proceedings involving those arrested.
5. State Prosecutor Confirms Arrest of a Woman
In an official statement, the Veracruz State Attorney General’s Office announced the arrest of another suspect, bringing the total number of individuals allegedly involved in Roxana’s abduction to six.
The suspect, identified as Karen “N,” is accused by authorities of participating in the journalist’s disappearance.
Throughout the investigation, organizations and associations dedicated to defending human rights and freedom of expression have issued statements demanding that authorities locate Roxana and bring those responsible to justice. Article 19 has emphasized the importance of ensuring that investigators consider Roxana’s work as a journalist as a possible line of inquiry.
Source: lasillarota
