Introduction
The National Council of Farming and Livestock Producers (CNA) has strongly condemned the murder of Bernardo Bravo Manríquez, hailing him as an “unattainable defender of farmers’ rights in Mexico.”
CNA’s Statement and Concerns
In a press release, the CNA warned that the escalating violence in rural areas poses a significant threat to Mexico’s food security.
The organization emphasized that criminal organizations, extortion, threats, and murders cannot continue to dictate the daily work of those who till the land. The CNA called upon all levels of government to collaborate on a joint strategy against violence and impunity in the agricultural sector.
The CNA highlighted that extortion by criminal groups has driven up the costs of various agricultural products, estimating that between 10% and 20% of the price of these goods is attributed to payments demanded by criminal organizations.
Government Response
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo:
Mexico City’s Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo expressed her sorrow over the assassination of lemon producer Bernardo Bravo Manríquez in Michoacán and vowed to ensure justice.
During her daily press conference, Sheinbaum Pardo mentioned that the Security Cabinet supports investigations by the State and Michoacán’s Attorney General’s office to apprehend those responsible.
“It is very sad and lamentable that this producer and commercial leader of lemons has been killed. There must be justice in this case,” declared the Mexican state’s head.
Sheinbaum Pardo stated her intention to request a detailed communication from the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, outlining the security measures Bernardo Bravo had in place at the time of his murder and those that will be implemented for his family.
According to an official information bulletin, Bravo Manríquez had three security personnel and a bulletproof vehicle as part of a protection mechanism.
On the day of the attack, he was accompanied by one of his bodyguards until reaching the Apatzingán Lemon Market, where he lost protection.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Bernardo Bravo Manríquez? He was a prominent lemon producer and commercial leader in Michoacán, Mexico.
- Why is he significant? Bravo Manríquez was a vocal defender of farmers’ rights and played a crucial role in Mexico’s agricultural sector.
- What led to his murder? The CNA attributes the rise in violence and extortion by criminal groups as factors contributing to his death.
- How does this impact food costs? The CNA estimates that 10-20% of the cost of various agricultural products is due to payments demanded by criminal organizations.
- What actions have been taken by the government? Mexico City’s Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has pledged to ensure justice and support investigations into Bravo Manríquez’s murder.
