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Mexican Navy Denies Assaulting Students, Launches Investigation

Mexican Navy Denies Assaulting Students, Launches Investigation

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • The Mexican Navy denies invading and assaulting students at a normal school in Río Grande, Oaxaca.
  • Students reported aggression and intimidation on June 25, sharing images and videos.
  • The Navy has opened an internal investigation into the accusations.

The Mexican Navy has denied allegations of storming and assaulting students at the Regional Center for Normal Education in Río Grande, Oaxaca. The accusations stem from images and videos released by students, claiming naval personnel initiated aggression, harassment, and intimidation on June 25. The Navy stated it has no record of its personnel or vehicles being involved in the reported incidents.

Currently, naval personnel are conducting patrols in Río Grande and the coast of Oaxaca to strengthen security in that region. It is important to emphasize that the Secretariat of the Navy maintains strict adherence to the current legal framework and respect for human rights during its operations, to fulfill the missions conferred by law.

— Secretariat of the NavyInitial statement denying involvement in the incident.

In a subsequent statement, the Navy announced it has opened an internal investigation to clarify the accusations that naval personnel allegedly entered the school without authorization. The institution affirmed its commitment to adhering to legal frameworks and respecting human rights during its operations. It also stated it would cooperate with relevant authorities to determine responsibility.

The Student Executive Committee of the Río Grande Normal School denounced what they described as an act of intimidation, including threats, physical and psychological violence, and direct aggression against a student. They expressed concern that institutions like the Navy would resort to force against students exercising their rights to organization and expression.

In response to communication 023/2026 of the 30th of this month, regarding an alleged aggression against students, the Secretariat of the Navy informs that an internal investigation has been opened to clarify the facts related to the accusation that naval personnel entered the Regional Center for Normal Education of Río Grande; likewise, it will collaborate with the competent authorities to determine responsibilities.

— Secretariat of the NavyAnnouncement of an internal investigation.

The Navy initially dismissed the students' claims as misinformation but later initiated the investigation, emphasizing its intention to act in coordination with justice authorities and promote respect for human rights.

Actions of intimidation were carried out through cartridge checks, threats, physical and psychological violence, as well as direct aggression against a fellow student, who was beaten and violated in his integrity.

— Student Executive Committee of the Regional Center for Normal EducationDescription of the alleged aggression by students.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.