Human rights activists murdered

Two human rights activists were killed by gunmen who attacked a convoy of about 40 Mexican and European aid workers and journalists in southern Mexico. At least four others are missing, including a Belgian worker and two Mexican journalists.

Jyri Antero Jaakkola, a Finnish human rights observer, and Beatriz Carino, the director of the Mexican rights group Cactus, were killed in the attack.

An armed group had seized control of the capital of Oaxaca state for five months in 2006, and there were fears a long-standing conflict between the group and the state government could be reignited.

The convoy was travelling to San Juan Copala in Oaxaca state, to support the town's fight for more autonomy from the state government. Armed groups from nearby towns oppose the plan.