Chiapas Prosecutor Investigates 14 Abuse Complaints at Mactumactzá Normal School

Chiapas's Attorney General's Office is investigating 14 complaints of physical abuse and discrimination against students involved in the initiation rites at the Mactumactzá normal school. The allegations target members of the student committee, accused of mistreating newly admitted students.

Attorney General Jorge Luis Llaven Abarca stated that the victims reported being deprived of water and sleep for two to three days, subjected to extreme physical activities, and denied basic hygiene. These new students claim a 25-member student committee, comprising both male and female students, orchestrated these "unfortunate events."

The Attorney General's Office is seeking information from the Ministry of Education and the Mactumactzá school regarding the student committee members. "We are awaiting the information and will act accordingly," Llaven Abarca assured. While no student's life is currently at risk, some suffered dehydration, injuries, and ankle sprains.

Authorities are working with the Secretariat General of Government and the Ministry of Education to find a solution for the affected students, who are demanding their right to education. In July, parents and new students had already denounced violent aggression and mistreatment during the "novatada," or hazing ritual, protesting outside the state government headquarters and calling for official intervention.