“I fear for my life”: the day Armando Linares unveiled the murder of journalist Roberto Toledo

The numbers of journalists killed in Mexico continue to rise and this Tuesday, March 15, one more communicator was added to the regrettable list: Armando Linares López, who was finalized in its domicile located in Zitácuro, Michoacán.

However, his name had already circulated in public opinion at the beginning of the year, because on January 31, he, as director of Monitor Michoacán, was responsible for publicizing the murder of Roberto Toledo, another journalist who collaborated in the media.

Through two videos he released not only the news, but also the position of the media and the progress that, until then, the authorities had reported on the journalist's murder.

In one of the recordings that were shared on social networks of the local media, Armando Linares confessed that he feared for his life, because after the death of Toledo, threats against the media, collaborators and against himself increased.

At that time, he indicated that there was already a rapprochement with the federal government to be part of the investigations; he also stressed that the authorities already had full knowledge of the subject.

He even pointed out that investigations had been initiated against the profile -on social networks- that published the threats “where we are being seriously pointed out of illegal activities”, since he stated that they had linked the media to criminal groups.

While in the other video he detailed that Roberto Toledo was approached by three people who shot him in a “mean and cowardly” way. In addition, he stated that “there are names”, so he reiterated his remarks to some “people and politicians”, as well as to “some others” who may be involved after the investigation process.

“Once again there are threats to point out situations of a government that has not complied with its citizenship,” explained Linares López visibly affected and with a broken voice.

According to his words, the investigations against the different governments of the entity would have been the cause of the threats, as well as the murder of Toledo; however, he indicated that the media would continue its work for the citizens.

Finally, he regretted and condemned the fact, not before assuring that information would continue to circulate in order to continue denouncing corruption in Michoacán, “even if life goes in that way”.

Weeks after both recordings, the death of Linares López was announced at his home; according to the versions that circulate, after he announced the murder of Toledo, threats were increasing against him.

Based on information from the Attorney General of the State (FGE) of Michoacán, staff of the unit moved to the Carabanchel colony, in the private home of the victim and where the act was perpetrated, to carry out the corresponding measures.

Linares body was also reported to have gunshot wounds, so the Homologated Protocol for the Investigation of Crimes Committed Against Freedom of Expression was activated.

“#FiscaliaMich goes to the Carabanchel colony, in Zitácuaro, to carry out actions related to the murder of journalist Armando Linares López, which occurred this afternoon in a private home; he suffers from gunshot wounds,” wrote the Prosecutor's Office.

KEEP READING: