Mexico, Nov 16: More than 100 people were injured and 20 arrested during a massive protest in Mexico City on Saturday against President Claudia Sheinbaum’s handling of violent crime, local officials said. Thousands of demonstrators marched to the capital’s historic Zocalo, mobilised by the growing “Sombrero Movement” following the assassination of a mayor who had openly confronted organised crime.
AFP journalists reported that the rally remained peaceful for hours before hooded protesters pulled down metal barricades outside the National Palace and hurled paving stones at riot police. Officers responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Mexico City security chief Pablo Vazquez said 20 protesters and 100 police personnel were injured, with 40 officers hospitalised. Police made 20 arrests on charges including theft and assault. An investigation has also begun into the assault of a La Jornada journalist, who alleged police involvement.
Sheinbaum, who took office in October 2024 with approval ratings above 70 percent, has faced growing scrutiny over her security policies after several high-profile killings. Many protesters wore sombreros in tribute to Carlos Manzo, a Michoacan mayor who was assassinated on November 1 after challenging drug-trafficking gangs. His widow, however, distanced their family from Saturday’s march.
The unrest comes amid the recent shooting of Bernardo Bravo, a lime producers’ leader from the same region. Earlier this week, Sheinbaum dismissed the demonstration as “inorganic” and “paid for,” claiming it was encouraged from abroad.
