Could Gen Z Spark Change with Anti-Crime March in Mexico?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Thousands protested against crime and corruption in Mexico City.
- Gen Z activists led the demonstration.
- Violence broke out, resulting in injuries and arrests.
- The protest was supported by older opposition party members.
- Many young people express frustration over systemic issues.
On November 16, in Mexico City, thousands rallied to voice their concerns over escalating crime, corruption, and impunity. This demonstration, primarily organized by members of Gen Z, garnered significant support from older allies within opposition parties.
Unfortunately, the protest turned violent, resulting in numerous injuries and several arrests.
As reported by the Secretary of Citizen Security, Pablo Vazquez Camacho, 100 police officers were injured during the march, with 40 needing hospitalization.
Out of those hospitalized, 36 suffered from contusions, while four others were treated for trauma and various injuries. Local media, specifically El Universal, reported that 20 civilians also sustained injuries during the clashes.
Authorities confirmed the arrest of 20 individuals who were brought before a Public Prosecutor, in addition to another 20 detained for administrative violations and presented before a Civic Judge.
In a statement following the march, Vazquez Camacho condemned the outbreak of violence.
"We denounce these violent incidents that unfolded during the protest and highlight the presence of organized groups that often support such acts from a distance," he stated.
The protest saw a diverse range of participants, including supporters of the recently slain Michoacan Mayor Carlos Manzo, who wore straw hats representing his political movement.
Manzo was tragically shot on November 1 in Uruapan, and police indicated that a 17-year-old boy, who was addicted to meth, was identified as the shooter before being killed during the arrest.
Images from the capital captured the march as it progressed through the city, eventually escalating into confrontations with officers from the Secretariat of Citizen Security upon reaching Zocalo square.
This demonstration is part of a broader trend of Gen Z-led protests globally. In various countries this year, young people born in the late 1990s to early 2010s have rallied against inequality, corruption, and democratic backsliding.
The largest protest this year occurred in Nepal in September following a social media ban, which led to the resignation of the prime minister. Last year, similar protests took place in Bangladesh.
In Mexico, many young individuals express profound frustration over systemic issues including corruption and the pervasive impunity surrounding violent crimes.