Freedom of Speech in Danger as Police Violently Punish Mexican Journalists

At least 12 journalists hurt

 

In the last article we mentioned protests that took place in Rosarito, Baja California. Now new, terrifying details come to the surface about the terrible treatment to which Mexican journalists have been subjected by brutes who dare call themselves the police. On January 6th and 7th Mexican citizens blocked a PEMEX plant in order to protest the rising prices of gasoline. Journalists who took to the spot with the goal of broadcasting the manifestation to the public were intimidated, threatened, and – in some cases – even physically assaulted. This is especially scary when you consider that 23 journalists have dissapeared in Mexico since 2003, with 96% of them involved in topics such as corruption and authorities suspected of doubling as criminals.

Aftermath of Rosarito Madness

Insults weren’t the only thing flying in the air at the Rosarito protests – also rocks and fists were also thrown at the other side. Forty people have been detained and fifteen injured, amongst them seven police officers, two of whom are seriously wounded. The police functionaries are victims of a crazy truck driver who drove by a crowd and then went on the run. One of the hurt police officers was married with three children. He is currently at the hospital, with both his knees and a hip severely injured. We remind you of the scenes that took place, this time with an extended material:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5aWZmR20aI

How it came to violence

Ever since the new year began Mexican society has been at an unrest; however, until a certain point all the frustrated citizens did was shout abuse at policemen. The situation escalated on January 7th, when a group of young people were angered by the detention of 12 co-marchers. The youth began to throw stones at the police, who reacted by charging into the exasperated crowd. Tear gas was used and many more were detained.

Police Loot instead of Protecting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDFQbGJkItQ

In a scary turn of events, it seems true that even the police force cannot be trusted anymore in Mexico. Even though the four officers who ransacked the city together with other thieves ended up fired and arrested, a question comes to mind – was it because they committed a crime, or because they were careless enough to get caught on video?

Terrifying Scenes at a Gas Station

A gas station in Joyas de Cuautitlán was assaulted by a crowd of angered locals who screamed that they will be exploited no more. The station has to burn, they decided. Molotov cocktails were thrown together with petards and others explosive, causing the station employees to fear for their lives. The main building of the station did take fire, but the gas tanks fortunately went unscathed. The employees fortunately were not hurt and even managed to put out the fire themselves. This is another example of how violent people can turn when their creature comforts are no longer available.

Numerous Protests over the Country

 

According to official sources, there were 15 protests countrywide on the ninth day of manifestations. Cities such as Hidalgo, Ciudad de México, Durango, Chihuahua, Sinaloa and Oaxaca were affected, with multiple road blocks in some.

 

 

In Chiapas, three gas stations were besieged by angry country citizens. At least five borders crossings between Mexico and the US were closed because of the protests. Two more policemen were hurt and two protesters – arrested in the city of Nogales. Rocks were thrown at the police who shot into the air with rubber bullets. Overall, more than 1500 people have been detained nationwide since the gas reform came to be on January 1st.

 

What’s been happening in Mexico is more than scary – you never know what might happen when the people decide their government is their biggest enemy. Stay with us for daily updates on the situation in Mexico. We do not recommend visiting Mexico until the situation calms down.

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