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Check FAQAbout Melissa
Melissa Amezcua is a journalist based in Mexico City. Experienced in breaking news, gender, migration, human rights and culture and around the globe. Have covered international events. Delivers work on time and verified.
Portfolio
This globally recognized Mexican gay activist was murdered
Julio César Zúñiga Palacios, a prominent Mexican gay activist and sports representative, was murdered in Tlalnepantla, Estado de México. Known as Julia among friends, he was shot eight times at his workplace. Julia was involved in various LGBT sports organizations and was a member of the PRI. The authorities are investigating the homicide, with speculation about it being a hate crime. The international LGBT community has expressed solidarity, and a fundraising page has been set up to support Julia's mother. A public statement from the Gay Football League is expected on December 3.
Ex-boyfriend of Lesvy found guilty of aggravated femicide
Jorge Luis González Hernández was found guilty of the aggravated femicide of Lesvy Berlín Rivera Osorio, who was murdered in Ciudad Universitaria on May 3, 2017. The judges cited the relationship between Jorge Luis and Lesvy, gender-based violence, and his direct involvement in the murder as reasons for the verdict. The victim's family received the decision emotionally, and the next steps will involve determining the sentence and moral damage reparations. The case has sparked protests against gender violence, with calls for the maximum penalty for femicide.
Reported Harassment in Metro; Ended Up Accused of Extorting Men
A German writer living in Mexico reported harassment in the Metro but was later accused of extorting men through a viral Facebook post. The incident highlights the broader issue of digital violence against women in Mexico, where unauthorized image sharing and false accusations are prevalent. Organizations like Luchadoras and R3D advocate for women's digital rights and recommend reporting such incidents to digital platforms and authorities. The article criticizes the lack of gender perspective and training among Mexican authorities in handling these cases and calls for greater transparency between digital platforms and law enforcement.
“At one point, I wished they would kill me”; young woman raped inside the University of Chapingo
A young woman recounts her harrowing experience of being raped at the University of Chapingo, highlighting systemic issues of gender violence and institutional failures. Despite the university's promises of reforms, many cases of sexual assault and gender-based violence remain unaddressed, leading to widespread criticism. The article underscores the need for comprehensive legal and psychological support for survivors and calls for significant changes in university policies to ensure safety and justice for female students.
Mexican Nurses Exploited in Germany
Mexican nurses migrating to Germany under a program supervised by the Servicio Nacional de Empleo face exploitation and harsh working conditions. Despite promises of better opportunities, many nurses experience long hours, inadequate pay, and lack of support. The situation is exacerbated by unregulated recruitment agencies, leading to comparisons with human trafficking. Efforts are underway to reform the program to ensure fair treatment and proper recognition of qualifications.
This is the story of El Mijis, the elected deputy who left the gangs to help young people
Pedro César Carrizales Becerra, known as El Mijis, transformed from a gang leader in San Luis Potosí to an elected deputy focused on youth rehabilitation. Winning the local deputy seat for District VIII with the coalition Juntos Haremos Historia, he has been recognized for his efforts to reintegrate gang members into society through his organization, Un Grito de Existencia. Despite facing accusations and challenges, El Mijis remains committed to creating social change, advocating for better police salaries, and establishing a community police force to mediate gang conflicts. His political alignment with the left stems from their support for his autonomous initiatives.
Authorities are not searching for Mariela Vanessa, the missing UNAM student, alive
Authorities in Mexico City took nearly a month to search for Mariela Vanessa Díaz Valverde, a 21-year-old UNAM student who disappeared on April 27. Her sister, Gaby, criticized the authorities for indirectly suggesting they were searching for a body rather than a living person. The authorities returned Mariela's computer, unable to access it, and claimed that surveillance footage no longer exists. UNAM students protested, demanding her safe return.
The Feminist Persecuted by CDMX
Marcela, a young feminist from Mexico City, has faced unjust persecution by the Fiscalía de la Ciudad de México after participating in a feminist protest in 2018. Despite being labeled as a 'dangerous' feminist, she continues to speak out against the injustices she faces. The Secretaría de la Defensa is also implicated in monitoring feminists, maintaining a list of those deemed 'dangerous.' Melissa Amezcua reveals Marcela's story in this episode of Así como suena.
Digital violence against Marion Reimers: when misogyny becomes a sport
Marion Reimers, a pioneering Mexican sports journalist, faces severe digital violence and misogyny, particularly from coordinated bot attacks on Twitter. Despite her significant contributions to sports journalism and advocacy for women's inclusion in sports, Reimers endures relentless online harassment. The article highlights the broader issue of misogyny in sports and digital spaces, questioning the complicity of media and social platforms in perpetuating such violence. It also underscores the financial and operational scale of these attacks, calling for greater accountability and safer online environments for women.
Forced into prostitution, condemned as 'Zeta'
Gabriela Estefanía García Escobar, a Honduran woman, was wrongfully imprisoned in Mexico for 11 years, accused of being part of the criminal group Los Zetas. Her case highlights systemic issues in the Mexican judicial system, including wrongful arrests, lack of due process, and torture by authorities. Many women, like Gabriela, remain detained without sentences, often victims of a flawed legal system and socio-economic vulnerabilities. Organizations like Equis Justicia for las Mujeres advocate for these women, emphasizing the need for judicial reform and gender-sensitive legal practices.
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