As tens of thousands protested in Mexico City, burning figures of President Enrique Peña Nieto, California made it known they weren’t alone in their rebellion against the narco-state. Demonstrations in Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Ana, San Francisco, and Fresno took place Thursday, as a day of solidarity with Ayotzinapa Normalistas.
The 43 student teachers were last seen being arrested by police in the Guerrero city of Iguala on Sept. 26th as presumed to be ordered by the Mayor, to prevent the activists from interrupting a conference. It has since been reported that they were murdered and incinerated by the Guerreros Unidos crime syndicate, who then dumped their remains in a river. The disappeared students have sparked violent protests in the state of Guerrero, leaving police vehicles and buildings ablaze; also in Mexico City where 2 protestors and a dog were recently shot by police with live rounds.
Around 200 people assembled at the Mexican consulate in Fresno holding signs and banners demanding justice for the missing students. They huddled near a television to watch the President’s controversial immigration speech, and celebrated reform they’ve been waiting for since his inauguration. It’s said to allow five million people to stay with their families, pursue education, and take part in the political system. They can also demonstrate without fear of being deported, or worse, massacred. A bittersweet moment in a world plagued by corruption and senseless state sanctioned violence.
So well done. Good job.