In San Cristóbal de Las Casas, in the state of Chiapas, in southeastern Mexico, a demonstration was held where indigenous organizations and civil society demanded an end to the war in Chiapas and the aggression against the original Zapatista communities. Diana Luna, a member of civil society, explained that the main intention of the protest was to make visible the rejection of violence, impunity, corruption, and attacks against communities that exercise self-determination, such as the towns of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN).
Specifically, recent attacks suffered by the 6 de octubre community, of Nuevo Jerusalén, in the municipality of Ocosingo, were reported, where harassment, invasions, and dispossession by armed groups against the Zapatista communities were reported. In front of the 'Musac' museum, the protesters displayed banners with slogans such as "Stop the war against Zapatistas," "Out armed groups from the 6 de octubre," "Woman, Life, and Freedom," and "Long live the EZLN."
In addition to demanding a halt to the attacks against Zapatista and non-Zapatista communities, they also expressed solidarity with the families of the victims of the war between criminal groups linked to drug trafficking, human rights defenders, authorities, and the victims of femicides. The demonstration was conducted peacefully, and the search for a society without violence and with respect was expressed.
The attendees lit candles, carried bunches of flowers as a sign of mourning for the victims, and chanted for peace. This demonstration occurs amidst a climate of increasing violence in Chiapas during 2021, where various groups have warned of a civil war scenario due to struggles related to drug and human trafficking along the southern Mexican border.
