Six Months Later: Marches Mark Anniversary of 43 Missing Students in Mexico The 43 student-teachers went missing in Iguala, Guerrero, igniting outrage across Mexico. The students had been attacked by police as they returned from a protest, leading to widespread protests and calls for accountability.
On March 27, 2015, during a series of marches commemorating the tragic event, the families of the missing students demanded the cancellation of midterm elections in Guerrero. Their requests were denied.
“For us, elections right now represent death; they represent more victims,” said Meliton Ortega, the uncle of missing student Muricio Ortega, in an interview with Telesur.
President Enrique Peña Nieto faced harsh criticism over his handling of the crisis, especially after the government’s inadequate response sparked the viral hashtag #Yamecanse (“I’m tired”). The phrase was uttered by Mexican Attorney General Jesús Murillo Karam during a press conference, and it has since become a symbol of frustration and neglect, even after his resignation.
In more recent developments, the Attorney General’s Office revealed that 104 suspects have been arrested in connection with the case.
In the U.S., a petition campaign was launched urging the U.S. government to reassess its stance on Mexico. A powerful video released as part of the campaign posed the question: “By funding and supporting the Mexican government, the United States is funding and supporting the drug cartels. What do you support?”
One of the voices featured in the video was a relative of the missing students, who shared their own painful journey: “As I began working to find my brother, I discovered that my family and I are not alone. There are more than 25,000 families in Mexico who also have loved ones known as ‘los desaparecidos’ – the disappeared. Neither President Peña Nieto nor President Obama want to talk about them.”
The pain of loss was poignantly expressed by another family member: “Here we are, with the same force and despair as when we started. How much do you care for your child to keep them safe, and when I needed to be there for him, I wasn’t.”
Guerrero, one of Mexico’s poorest and most violent states, is notorious for cases of forced disappearance. A short documentary from The New Yorker highlighted the prevalence of such tragedies in the region.
“We will not rest until we find our children. A mother’s pain has turned into fury against this government. It has taken so much from us, and now it has also taken away our fear. We are no longer afraid.”
Background: The Disappearance of 43 Student-Teachers
On the night of September 26, 2014, 43 student-teachers from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers’ College in Guerrero were abducted by local police and handed over to a criminal gang. This event has become one of the most tragic and controversial in Mexico’s recent history. Despite various investigations, the truth about what happened that night remains unclear, and the students are still missing.
This case highlights serious problems in Mexico, including corruption, collusion between criminal groups and law enforcement, and the government’s failure to protect its citizens.
Marches Continue to Demand Justice
Six months later, the families of the missing students, along with their supporters, have organized regular marches and protests across the country. These events not only commemorate the missing students but also serve as a call to action, urging the government to find out what happened and hold those responsible accountable.
- Key Points of the Marches:
- Nationwide Support: Marches are held in cities across Mexico, as well as internationally, to show solidarity with the families of the victims.
- Demand for Accountability: Protesters are calling for the prosecution of those involved, from local police to government officials.
- Public Outcry: The marches serve to keep the public informed about the case and remind authorities of their responsibility to uncover the truth.
The Role of International Support
The international community has also rallied behind the cause. Many human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), have condemned the Mexican government’s handling of the case. Protests have been organized in various countries, including the United States and Spain, where Mexican citizens and activists demand justice and transparency.
Ongoing Challenges in the Search for the Truth
Despite the public outcry, the investigation into the disappearance has faced many hurdles:
- Inadequate Investigation: Many activists and families argue that the official investigation has been marred by corruption, lack of coordination, and a failure to protect key witnesses.
- Government Resistance: Despite the president’s promise to solve the case, many are skeptical of the government’s willingness to pursue justice, given its ties to the very institutions that allowed the abductions to happen.
- Impunity: Many people in Mexico believe that corruption within law enforcement and government institutions allows perpetrators to act without fear of punishment.
Key Statistics:
- 43 students went missing on September 26, 2014.
- Over 100,000 people in Mexico have disappeared due to violence since 2006.
- Marches are held monthly to demand accountability for the tragedy.
FAQ:
What happened to the 43 student-teachers from Ayotzinapa?
They were abducted by police and handed over to a criminal gang. Their whereabouts remain unknown.
Why are the marches still happening six months later?
Families, activists, and supporters continue to demand justice and the truth about the students’ fate.
What is the Mexican government doing about the case?
The government has launched investigations, but many argue they have not done enough to hold those responsible accountable.
How can I support the families of the missing students?
Attending marches, spreading awareness on social media, and supporting organizations like Amnesty International can help.
What do the marches aim to achieve?
They demand justice, accountability for those responsible, and action to find the missing students.
Has the international community been involved?
Yes, international human rights organizations and governments have condemned the handling of the case.
Conclusion
While six months may have passed since the disappearance of the 43 student-teachers, the fight for justice is far from over. These marches are a symbol of hope for the families and a reminder that human rights violations cannot go unchecked. As Mexico continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, it is crucial that both national and international communities stand in solidarity, ensuring that the truth is revealed and justice is served for the 43 missing students and their families.
