Activist priest with one million Pesos reward on his head, Fr. Marcelo, assassinated
Staff Reporter - October 2024
Father Marcelo Pérez, a Jesuit priest with a reward of one million pesos on his head, was tragically assassinated on October 20, 2024. Known for his fearless defense of Indigenous rights and outspoken criticism of the mafia and government corruption, Father Marcelo was gunned down by two men on a motorcycle shortly after celebrating Sunday Mass in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico.
Father Marcelo, often referred to as the "Stan Swamy of Mexico," was born into the Tzotzil Indigenous community and dedicated his life to protecting the marginalized. His bold activism earned him many enemies, especially within powerful mafia circles. Despite numerous threats and the large reward placed on his life, Father Marcelo continued his mission, undeterred by the dangers. "We live under God’s protection," he often said, reflecting his deep faith and commitment.
Father Marcelo’s transformation into an activist priest began after the 1997 Acteal massacre, where 45 Tsotsil people were slaughtered while praying. “Acteal showed me the light,” he would often say, reflecting on how the tragedy spurred him to action. He walked alongside the survivors, sharing in their grief and demanding justice. “How can I tell them that God loves them?” he once exclaimed, overwhelmed by the stories of loss he heard. From that point on, his ministry became a call to action. “To weep with those who weep, to suffer with those who suffer,” he often repeated, explaining his deep commitment to his community.
His mission wasn’t limited to the pulpit. Father Marcelo became known for leading public protests and pilgrimages, standing shoulder to shoulder with the indigenous and farmworkers as they fought against exploitation and violence.
In 2014, he organized a pilgrimage through 12 cities to raise awareness of the rising violence in Chiapas. Tens of thousands joined him, defying the growing power of the mafia. His outspoken stance made him a target, with bounties as high as one million pesos placed on his head, yet he refused to be silenced.
The priest’s activism led him to accuse the authorities of colluding with the mafia. “The authorities are accomplices of the mafia,” he boldly declared, not hesitating to expose the connections between organized crime and government officials. He even described Mexico as a “mafia-State,” where the line between law enforcement and criminal organizations had all but disappeared. His fearless denunciations made him a dangerous enemy to powerful forces, but Father Marcelo was unwavering. “If they kill me, it is a scandal, but if they kill a peasant, nothing happens,” he said, making clear his solidarity with the people who had suffered the most.
Father Marcelo's personal safety was always at risk, but he refused to accept any form of protection. “It is against the Gospel for someone to die so that I may live. It is not my life but that of the people,” he insisted, rejecting bodyguards and placing his trust in the community and his faith. His refusal to prioritize his own safety over the lives of others was a reflection of his deep humility and commitment to his calling.
However, the threats against him eventually materialized. On that tragic Sunday in October, Father Marcelo was ambushed and shot while returning from Mass-a brutal end for a man who had dedicated his life to fighting for justice. His death has left a deep void in the hearts of the people of Chiapas, for whom he was not only a priest but also a beacon of hope and courage.
Father Marcelo’s assassination underscores the extreme dangers faced by those who oppose organized crime in Mexico. Chiapas, like many other regions in the country, has seen a sharp increase in violence, with nearly 500 murders recorded between June and August 2024 alone. Despite government promises, the power of the mafia continues to grow, leaving communities like those Father Marcelo served in constant fear.
The Jesuit order in Mexico expressed their deepest sorrow at the loss of Father Marcelo, calling him a "symbol of resistance" who stood by the people of Chiapas during their hardest times. International human rights organizations and the United Nations have condemned his murder, demanding a full investigation and justice for those responsible.
Father Marcelo’s legacy, however, will not be defined by his death but by the countless lives he touched through his work. The Movement in Defense of Life and Territory (MODEVITE), which he helped organize, continues to fight against violence, exploitation and the destruction of natural resources. His belief that true change would come from “the indigenous peoples, the poor and middle class” resonates deeply with those he inspired. Even though his voice has been silenced, his mission endures in the movements he helped build.
Before his death, Father Marcelo often spoke of the difficult road ahead for Mexico. “We are in the midst of the storm,” he said, acknowledging that peace would not come easily. Yet, his life remains a testament to the power of standing up for what is right, no matter the cost. For the people of Chiapas, Father Marcelo will always be remembered as a true shepherd who sacrificed his life for the sake of his community.
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