Photo: Google

By KELIN DILLON

Missing Mexican journalist Jaime Barrera Rodríguez was located by federal agents during the early hours of Wednesday, March 13 in the state of Jalisco, his daughter Itzul Barrera reported on social networks.

Barrera was kidnapped on Monday, March 11 by three to four individuals armed with assault rifles who held the journalist blindfolded and questioned him about his journalism career, said Jalisco State Prosecutor Joaquín Méndez.

Federal agents later located Barrera in good health in Magdalena, Jalisco on Wednesday morning, after his captors had already released him.

“He is at home, which is the important thing, but the investigations will continue to clarify the facts and find those responsible, heartfelt thanks to the security corporations and rescue teams for their work and citizens for their help,” said Jalisco Governor Enrique Alfaro following Barrera’s return.

Barrera resumed his work as a journalist the same day as his return to freedom, publicly stating that his abduction was not a kidnapping but a “sort of warning” against his journalism in Jalisco. 

“I have to talk to lawyers to make a more precise account of events, to clarify events, and to be very precise because they gave me like warnings: ‘Today you are leaving, but we know where you live, where you are, and where your family is,’” said Barrera, noting that his captors dealt him “some blows” during the ordeal.

The Barrea comes as Mexico remains one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists.