Protesters went to the front of the National Palace and tore down some of the metal fences that protected the building
Thousands of people marched this Saturday (15) in the streets to protest against the violence and security policy of the government led by the president. The demonstration was called via social media by representatives of “” (under 28 years old).
Many present at the march, which covered important avenues in the center of the capital, wore hats similar to the one worn by Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan, in the state of Michoacán (west), murdered on November 1st and who gained fame by chasing criminals in person, on board patrols and even from a helicopter.
On Friday, Manzo’s widow and current mayor of Uruapan, Grecia Quiroz, disassociated the “Hat Movement”, founded by the murdered mayor, from this Saturday’s march.
Sheinbaum questioned the calls for this mobilization on Thursday and said, in his morning press conference, that the call was “inorganic” and “paid”. “It is an impulse, promoted even from abroad, against the government”, added the president.
Posters with messages such as “We are all Carlos Manzo” were displayed next to the pirate flag emblematic of the Japanese manga One Piece, which has become a symbol of youth protests around the world.
Protesters went to the front of Mexico’s National Palace, where Sheinbaum lives and works, and tore down some of the metal fences that protected the building, located in the Zócalo, the country’s most important public square.
Police officers protecting the venue used fire extinguishers to contain the protesters who were attacking the bars. They also launched tear gas bombs, an AFP journalist found.
“This is how you should have protected Carlos Manzo,” some protesters shouted at security forces.
Hundreds of young people threw projectiles at the police, who responded by using their shields and also throwing objects at the protesters.
In power since October 1, 2024, Sheinbaum has approval ratings above 70% in the first year of his administration, but faces criticism for his security policy, due to high-profile murders that occurred mainly in the state of Michoacán.
Manzo’s murder joins that of Bernardo Bravo, leader of lemon producers in the same agricultural region, shot dead at the end of October.
Bravo had reported that he was a victim of extortion, a crime that Sheinbaum acknowledges he has been unable to contain.
*With information from AFP
