Recent events demonstrate political corruption in Mexico
- by SHIRLEY ARAIZA
- Jan 23, 2015
- 2 min read
Iguala, Guerrero
The disappearance of 43 student teachers in the town of Iguala, Guerrero sparked outrage and shed a light on corruption that is common within areas of the Mexican government. The 43 male students were on their way to protest the lack of funding and discriminatory hiring that is being practiced by the Mexican government. A gang is believed to have killed and incinerated the remains of the 43 students. Only one student has been found and confirmed deceased. Details of the incident are still vague, although it is confirmed that local police and the mayor were involved in the disappearance.
The Incident
This incident resonated strongly with the public for several reasons. It was discovered that the Mayor of Iguala, Jose Luis Abarca, saw the protest as a threat to the political campaign event his wife was holding. Abarca gave orders for the municipal police force to apprehend the 43 students on the way to their protest. The police force then handed over the students to a local drug gang.
Ongoing Drug Violence and Corruption
Many expressed desperation towards the severity of corruption within Mexican politics. Iguala is an example of how organized crime has infiltrated the government. Mexico is currently fighting an extensive drug war, one that has escalated after the previous president, Felipe Calderon, declared increased action on drug trafficking.
After it was discovered that the Mayor of Iguala and his wife had headed the kidnapping, outrage and demonstrations broke out in Mexico. Protesters demanded answers to the disappearance of the 43 students, and spoke out against the political corruption that has been prevalent throughout the country’s history. The movements have been peaceful, but one protest escalated to the point of setting the presidential palace in Mexico City on fire. This was a message to President Enrique Peña Nieto, urging him to renounce his position as president. This has been the biggest public security crisis that Peña Nieto has faced in his term as president.
Iguala is just one example of countless violations against the freedom of speech, a fundamental right that in the United States we find so crucial. It’s important to be aware of these issues.
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