Abducted Mexican Catholic Priest is Found Alive, But Endured Torture
- Updated Nov 14, 2016
A Mexican Catholic priest who was kidnapped has been found alive, but authorities say he was tortured.
ChristianToday.com reports that Father Jose Luis Sanchez Ruiz was one of three priests abducted in the state of Veracruz since September.
The other two priests were shot and killed, but Sanchez Ruiz “had been dumped, with notable signs of torture” at an undisclosed location, according to Bishop Fidencio Lopez.
Sanchez Ruiz had been targeting by kidnappers due to his activism for human rights issues. Before being abducted, he had taken part in a protest against high electricity bills.
Father Aaron Reyes, the spokesman for the diocese to which Sanchez Ruiz belongs stated that, in the days following up to the kidnapping, the priest "had received threats in recent days because he is a defender of human rights and social causes. He has criticised the system of corruption and the crime problem in Catemaco.”
Priests are often targeted in Mexico for their activism against government corruption. Since 2006, 31 priests have been killed, most in areas where drug violence is a major issue.
The Mexican states of Veracruz, Guerrero, Mexico, and Michoacan have the worst problems with drug-related violence.
Publication date: November 14, 2016
