Thousands of Protesters Clash with Police in Mexico City, Leaving 120 Injured
At least 120 people, including 100 police officers, were injured in violent clashes between protesters and police in Mexico City on Saturday, as thousands of demonstrators marched against the government's handling of violent crime. The protests, organized by Gen Z youth groups, drew support from citizens frustrated with high-profile killings, including the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, who had advocated for stronger action against cartels.
According to the police, the clashes erupted as protesters attempted to reach the city's main square, where President Claudia Sheinbaum was scheduled to address the crowd. However, Sheinbaum accused right-wing politicians of funding the protests, a claim disputed by organizers. "These marches were not spontaneous, they were organized by right-wing politicians who want to destabilize our government," Sheinbaum said in a statement.
The protests, which also took place in other cities, were sparked by a surge in violent crime, including the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo. Manzo had been a vocal critic of the cartels and had advocated for tougher action against them. His assassination has sent shockwaves across the country, with many calling for greater action from the government to address the issue.
According to eyewitnesses, the clashes between protesters and police were intense, with protesters throwing rocks and bottles at police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. "It was like a war zone," said one protester, who wished to remain anonymous. "The police were using excessive force, and we were just trying to express our frustration with the government's inaction."
The authorities have arrested 20 people in connection with the protests, according to police reports. However, many protesters claim that the arrests were arbitrary and that the government is trying to silence dissenting voices. "We are not violent, we are just trying to bring attention to the issue of violent crime," said a spokesperson for the Gen Z youth groups that organized the protests.
The protests have sparked a heated debate about the government's handling of violent crime and its relationship with the cartels. Many experts believe that the government's inaction has emboldened the cartels, leading to a surge in violence. "The government needs to take a tougher stance against the cartels and address the root causes of violent crime," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on Mexican politics. "The current approach is not working, and it's time for a change."
As the situation in Mexico City continues to unfold, many are left wondering what the next steps will be. The government has vowed to take action against the cartels, but many are skeptical about its ability to do so. The protests are expected to continue, with many calling for greater action from the government to address the issue of violent crime.
In a statement, the Gen Z youth groups that organized the protests called for greater action from the government to address the issue of violent crime. "We will continue to protest until the government takes action to address the root causes of violent crime," the statement read. "We will not be silenced, and we will not be deterred."
The situation in Mexico City remains tense, with many calling for greater action from the government to address the issue of violent crime. As the protests continue, one thing is clear: the people of Mexico will not be silenced, and they will continue to demand action from their government until the issue of violent crime is addressed.
Share & Engage Share
Share this article