Clashes occurred on Saturday, November 15, in Mexico City during demonstrations against the government’s security policies in the face of cartel violence, leaving approximately one hundred police officers and approximately twenty demonstrators injured.
These clashes occurred after various parades that brought together thousands of protesters called by the “sombrero movement”, which resulted from the recent murder of a mayor known for his fight against organized crime, as well as representatives of generation Z (those under 30 years old).
Agence France-Presse (AFP) noted the presence of participants of all ages. Protesters, some wearing head coverings, tore down metal barriers protecting the presidential palace and threw stones at riot troops, who responded with tear gas.
“For hours, this mobilization was peaceful, until a group of hooded individuals began carrying out violent actions.”explained at a press conference by the capital’s security secretary, Pablo Vazquez.
The official reported 100 police officers and 20 demonstrators were injured, and said that 40 law enforcement officers had been taken to hospitals due to blows and cuts. In addition, 20 people were arrested for theft and injury, while an investigation was opened into attacks on journalists from the media. La Jornadaby police officers according to his employer, added Mr. Vazquez.
President Claudia Sheinbaum, in power since 1uh October 2024, maintained a popularity rating above 70% during his first year in office, but his security policies were criticized for mass killings, especially in the state of Michoacán.
On Saturday, some demonstrators wore sombreros similar to those made famous by Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan, in the (western) state of Michoacán, murdered on 1uh November. He became famous for his pursuit of criminals.
“We are all Carlos Manzo”
Banners bearing messages such as “we are all Carlos Manzo” deployed alongside the iconic pirate flag from the Japanese manga One piecewhich has become a symbol of youth protests around the world, from Madagascar to the Philippines to Peru.
The clashes took place in front of Mexico City’s National Palace, the presidential residence located on the Zocalo, Latin America’s main square. “You should have protected Carlos Manzo like that!” »some protesters shouted at police who activated fire extinguishers and fired tear gas grenades.
Apart from Carlos Manzo, Bernardo Bravo, the leader of a lemon producer in the same agricultural region, was also shot dead at the end of October.
On Friday, Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the call for mobilization, stating at a morning press conference that she “chaotic” And “funded” from abroad.
