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Mexico City erects steel barrier around Zócalo as CNTE protesters clash with police
🇲🇽 Mexico /Culture & Society

Mexico City erects steel barrier around Zócalo as CNTE protesters clash with police

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Mexico City authorities erected a two-meter high steel barrier around the Zócalo square to prevent protesters from setting up camp.
  • The barrier aims to stop the CNTE teachers' union from disrupting the FIFA Fan Fest during the World Cup inauguration on June 11.
  • Protesters clashed with police, who used tear gas and explosives, as they attempted to reach the Zócalo, resulting in injuries and property damage.

Mexico City authorities have erected a two-meter high steel wall encircling the Zócalo, the capital's main square. This measure is intended to prevent members of the National Education Workers' Coordinator (CNTE) from establishing a protest camp and disrupting the FIFA Fan Fest, scheduled to coincide with the World Cup inauguration on June 11.

Díaz Ordaz is present!

— A CNTE teacherShouted by a teacher as police confronted protesters attempting to reach the Zócalo.

Police are stationed at all access points to the Zócalo, including streets like Tacuba, 5 de Mayo, and Madero, to secure the area. The CNTE teachers attempted to breach the Zócalo but were met by police using tear gas and explosive devices. Despite the police presence, some protesters, identified as members of the Guerrero State Workers' Union (CETEG), used iron bars and force to try and dismantle the steel barriers, chanting slogans like "That fence will fall."

During the confrontations, the CNTE reported two teachers injured: one with a blow to the cheek and another at risk of losing an eye from shrapnel. Police stated they did not use rubber bullets or firecrackers, contradicting the teachers' accusations. Protesters expressed anger, shouting at authorities, while drones monitored the march from above. Businesses in the area lowered their security shutters, anticipating economic losses.

That fence will fall, that fence will fall!

— CETEG membersChanted by protesters attempting to break down the steel barriers.

A pedestrian was also injured in the abdomen during the clashes. Earlier, a traffic crane from the Secretariat of Citizen Security attempted to block the protesters' advance but was damaged, with its windows broken, tires punctured, and graffiti sprayed on its exterior.

Claudia, you said everything would change!

— CNTEShouted by protesters accusing the government of repression.

Following the inability to access the Zócalo, the teachers decided to set up their protest on Avenida 20 de Noviembre in the Historic Center of CDMX. The CNTE's primary demands include the abrogation of certain policies, and they have called for dialogue with the government.

Sons of bitches, you are also the people!

— ProtestersExpressed by protesters as they were hit with tear gas.
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.

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