Gabriel Rivas Ríos killing, Cuernavaca Morena councilor, Digi Mart USA News (Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico): Gabriel Rivas Ríos, the Morena councilor on the Cuernavaca city council, was killed Wednesday afternoon while driving his car through the town of Acapantzingo. He was described as a leading figure of the left, an activist, and a social fighter.
Governor Margarita González Saravia said in a social media message that her government will not tolerate impunity and guaranteed justice. She expressed deep regret over the death of her friend and movement companion, calling Rivas Ríos a tireless social fighter and councilor of Cuernavaca.
Following the homicide, the governor instructed the Peace and Security Construction Table to maintain close coordination to clarify the facts. Rivas Ríos was also a local deputy for the PRD during the 1994–1997 administration, when he led the occupation of land in what is now known as Palo Blanco, in the municipality of Jiutepec.
According to early investigations cited in the report, hitmen followed Rivas Ríos until they caught up with him on Calle Del Ejido in Ejidos de Acapantzingo and fired at his vehicle, killing him inside. The area was cordoned off, and family members arrived to identify the body.
No arrests had been reported as of the publication of the report.
The land that Rivas Ríos helped occupy was later recovered following a legal dispute with a commercial firm.
