As we've mentioned briefly in our recent blog posts, Mexico is currently grappling with protests throughout the country brought on by the disappearance [and likely murder] of 43 students at the hands of corrupt military officials and cartel members. For those not caught up on the issue, here is a brief synopsis:
Around 50 students at a Teacher’s College in Guerrero, one of Mexico’s poorest states, were traveling by bus overnight through the city of Iguala. The account is muddled at best: They were leaving the city to take part in a protest for the remembrance of a student massacre that took place in 1968, but they were also collecting funds for their studies. Some vehicles were abandoned in front of their buses, essentially creating a barricade. Gunfire ensued. Six people died. Witnesses—and now, the federal investigation into the shooting—say it was the police that opened fire. The officers then escorted the students out of the buses, but instead of handing them over to the local state’s attorney office—supposing there was
something to charge them with in the first place—they were handed over to other people. A local cartel, according to media reports. Days after, four mass graves were found near the city. It seemed as though the bodies of the 43–yes, 43–kidnapped students were there.
Naturally, Guerrero and Oaxaca provinces have seen the most protesting in response, and we've shown pictures from around the area regarding the public protest. Oaxaca city's zocalo [central square] was full of signs of solidarity. Over here in San Cristobel de las Casas, the government propaganda paintings have been spray-painted over with the question, "Where are the 43 students?" Even the Cathedral couldn't escape tagging, a testament to how frustrated the population is.
Here are two pieces I've read that help illustrate the issue:
photos of the missing students
"Behind every murdered student is a mother clamoring for JUSTICE"
"Mexico: How much blood will you shed before you wake up? What will your kids say? When they ask you what you did? Why did you stay quiet?"
"Why are so many police in the streets? They are the ones committing the crimes against humanity. How many dead, how many disappearances, how many more voices do you have to quiet before you wake up?"
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