The father Marcelo Perez was a priest of origen tsotsilborn in San Andrés Larráinzar, Chiapas, in 1974.
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Ordained as a priest in 2002, he has been a prominent defender of human rights and an active promoter of peace in the indigenous communities of Chiapas.
His work has been marked by his strong commitment to social causes, particularly in areas affected by violence, such as Simojovel y Pantelhó.
Marcelo Perez has mediated numerous conflicts related to the presence of the racketeering and was a critical voice against injustice. For example, he was involved in the defense of displaced people in Chenalho y Chalchihuitan, and has denounced abuses of power by both local chiefs and criminal groups, which has earned him threats and persecution.
In 2021, was falsely accused of being involved in the disappearance of 21 personas in Pantelhó, a conflict related to the fight between local armed groups, although his role was that of mediator and peacemaker.
Despite the threats, the Father Marcelo He remained steadfast in his fight for peace. He was protected by international measures due to the constant risks he faced, and his work has been recognized by various organizations. human rights defenders.
With his leadership, the diocese of San Christopher de las Casas has promoted the construction of a pastoral of peace in the face of the growing violence that plagues Chiapas.
The morning of this Sunday October 20was shot in his truck, while he was traveling along Las Peras Street, on the corner of Flanz Bloom Street, towards the Guadalupe Church, when two individuals intercepted him on a scooter and shot at the vehicle.
Despite reports from neighbors about the attack, when authorities arrived at the scene, they found Marcelo without vital signs.
His death has been mourned, and authorities mention that they will clarify the crime so that it does not go unpunished. For his part, the Conciliar Seminary of San Cristobal shared an obituary of the victim, whom they will remember as “pastor, brother and friend of the people.”
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