Within two hours, protesters from the so-called Generation Z March demolished the massive metal fences that protected the National Palace. In videos circulating on the networks, masked youth can be seen throwing objects at the police and hitting them with pipes, sticks, and improvised shields. Volunteer medics had to rescue an injured police officer while a group of demonstrators chased him, chanting: “Catch him, he’s a police officer!” For its part, the capital’s government has launched a “comprehensive investigation” into the excessive use of force by uniformed officers, as well as attacks on journalists. The march, which gathered about 17,000 people on Saturday in central Mexico City, left 120 injured, including 100 police officers. Although the majority were discharged from the hospital on the same day, five agents remain in hospital, as reported on Monday by the Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC). Everyone is stable and out of danger.
Diagnoses include a broken cheekbone, a broken finger, a broken jaw, a broken tibia and fibula, as well as multiple bruises to the body and abdomen that caused inflammation and pressure on the lungs. The metropolitan government has clarified that the medical expenses are covered by SSC insurance and they will be able to get legal and psychological support. Prime Minister Clara Brugada defended on Monday that she never issued the order to suppress the protest, insisting that the operation of 800 personnel to escort the demonstrators complied with protection protocols. He added: “There were no rubber bullets, no batons, no water hoses, or any other type of tools.” He added: “I will never give an order to suppress any public expression or demonstration. I say that categorically.” He also explained that police officers only carried basic equipment such as shields, knee pads, helmets and fire extinguishers.
Despite this, the clashes that occurred when the march reached the Zocalo raised the alarm. Security Minister Pablo Vázquez reported that photographs and videos of the operation had been analyzed, and 18 “incidents potentially constituting violations of police protocol” had been identified, including excessive use of force and attacks on journalists. Seven police officers have been suspended while the investigation continues.
For her part, Public Prosecutor Bertha Maria Alcalde explained that 29 people were transferred to the Public Prosecution Office – all adults, except for one teenager – for their participation in attacks on police officers, robberies and damage to property, which are considered civil crimes. Of them, 18 face potentially more serious charges, with accusations of various crimes, such as attempted murder, resisting individuals, theft and injuries of varying degrees. The hearing against eight of those arrested will be held on Monday in the courts of Reclusorio Norte, in the office of Mayor Gustavo A. Madero. “Protocols have been implemented to guarantee the rights of the detained persons. They have been medically evaluated, their families have been contacted and they have an approved advocate,” the prosecutor said. In parallel, 77 police officers condemned their attackers and four demonstrators filed complaints about attacks by police officers. The capital’s government confirms that it will follow up on all cases “until the policemen are in good health” and clarify the acts of violence recorded on the two fronts.
Given the call for a new march this Thursday, as part of the celebrations of the revolution, both the President and the Prime Minister stressed that the march will proceed normally. “Anyone who calls for a peaceful demonstration is making a mistake,” Brugada said on Tuesday. “If they want to influence this city, they have to change their strategies.” From the National Palace, Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the violence recorded at the march, and stressed that she did not consider the movement real: “Many adults, few young people,” she said at the morning conference.
About The Author
