Searching mothers disrupt Sinaloa Congress, accuse official of threats

Activists searching for relatives who have disappeared under suspicious circumstances disrupted a session of the Sinaloa State Congress, demanding the removal of officials they accuse of threats and mistreatment. The protesters, part of the collective "Madres en Lucha por tu Regreso a Casa" (Mothers Fighting for Your Return Home), occupied the session hall, holding banners and displaying photos of their missing loved ones.

“

We are victims of threats and mistreatment.

The demonstrators collectively voiced complaints of receiving threats and enduring poor treatment from the Undersecretary of Human Rights, Patricia Figueroa Sauceda, calling for her immediate dismissal. They also requested a review of the performance of Karina Elizabeth Márquez Calderón, the head of the State Commission for the Search of Persons. The activists highlighted the difficult situation where they have to resort to fundraising to finance their search efforts.

“

It is inadmissible that activists have to collect donations to obtain money that allows them to go out and locate their loved ones.

Reyna Pulido Chavira, a leader of the group, expressed her anguish over the lack of answers regarding her son, Cesar Ernesto, who disappeared over five years ago. She stated that there is evidence he was detained by police in Culiacán. In response to the impassioned demands, members of the Human Rights Commission of the LXV Legislature met with the activists in an adjacent room to hear their petitions, particularly concerning the investigations into disappearances and the conduct of state officials.

“

More than five years after the disappearance of my son, Cesar Ernesto, there is no answer about his whereabouts, even though there is evidence that he was detained by police in Culiacán.