Mexican official arrested in mayor killing cover-up case

Mexican authorities arrested a local official over an alleged cover-up linked to the killing of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo, Michoacan state prosecutors said Thursday.

Uruapan welfare secretary Rosa Alejandra Vargas was arrested "for her probable responsibility in the crime of concealment," prosecutors said.

State prosecutor Israel Vega said Vargas is related to several people already arrested in the case and had failed to appear when summoned by investigators.

Manzo, 40, was killed in Uruapan last November during Day of the Dead celebrations. His death triggered large anti-government protests after he had gained attention for speaking out against organised crime in Michoacan state.

Authorities have arrested 34 people over the killing. Investigators indicate that the Jalisco New Generation Cartel ordered the attack, according to prosecutors.