Residents of Mexico’s Matlapa detain municipal police officers, demand justice after detainee’s death

A protest in Matlapa, in Mexico’s Huasteca Potosina region, escalated after the death of a man who was allegedly detained and beaten by municipal police.

Preliminary information indicated that officers detained the man on the afternoon of Saturday, September 5, and allegedly struck him while he was in custody. The injuries were reportedly severe. He was taken to a hospital in Axtla de Terrazas, where he received treatment for several hours before his family was informed of his death.

The case prompted residents to gather on Sunday and demand an explanation of the detention and the circumstances surrounding the man’s death. The protest reached the Matlapa municipal police headquarters, where a group of demonstrators entered the building.

Videos circulated on social media showed dozens of people moving through the municipality’s streets. They also appeared to show at least two municipal police officers being taken from the headquarters and held by protesters. The officers were led through the streets as demonstrators chanted and demanded justice.

The protest continued with calls for the case not to go unpunished and for the conduct of the officers involved to be investigated. Municipal and state authorities had not issued an official position at the time of publication.