Families Demand Justice for Miguel Rojas and Berenice Giles One Year After Tragedy
Tragic Anniversary Gathering
The first anniversary of the tragic deaths of Miguel Rojas and Berenice Giles, both photojournalists, drew family, friends, and colleagues to Bicentennial Park in Mexico City. The collective Today We Are Everything For Miguel organized an “anti-concert” to demand accountability following the collapse of a metal structure during the Ax Festival Ceremony 2025.
At this gathering, the families expressed their dissatisfaction with financial settlements offered by responsible companies, underscoring their desire for justice and truth.
A Father’s Heartbreaking Speech
During the rally, Miguel Rojas’ father shared his profound grief: “A year ago, my son went out and did not return. No parent should experience this. What hurts the most is the slowness of the justice process. He was a journalist doing his job when he died. This tragedy should shake the entire country.”
Rejecting Financial Settlements
Participants in the anti-concert read a manifesto reiterating the need to clarify the tragic events and seek justice. The families turned down offers for quick financial compensation from lawyers, prioritizing truth over monetary settlements, despite the emotional toll and pressure they faced from powerful entities in the music industry.
A Mother’s Plea
Graciela, Miguel’s mother, spoke passionately: “I am not a lawyer, I am not an activist, I am a grieving mother. A year ago, my son was taken from me while doing what he loved. What value does a life have in this country? Is a journalist’s life negotiable?”
Ending the gathering, participants called for improved working conditions for journalists and increased safety measures for attendees at mass gatherings.
Legal Proceedings and Accountability
Diana Rojas, Miguel’s sister, highlighted that the Mexico City Prosecutor’s Office initially held only the workers who installed the cranes accountable, exonerating higher management. Eventually, the families’ legal team ensured that eleven individuals were named in the incident.
She emphasized the negligence and human errors involved: “There was a complete lack of knowledge about safety protocols. Even those who signed off on safety measures weren’t present during the event. The truth matters more than economic gains.”