Thousands march in Mexico City to mark 1968 student massacre
Thousands of students and members of social organisations marched through Mexico City on Friday to commemorate the 58th anniversary of the 1968 Tlatelolco student massacre and demand justice for the victims. City authorities estimated around 8,000 people took part.
The march travelled from the Plaza de las Tres Culturas in Tlatelolco to the Zócalo. Some demonstrators later damaged barriers and other property near government buildings.
“Today we are holding a march to commemorate the 2nd October 1968 massacre,” protester Tamara Darmi said, adding that the demonstration was also about defending the right to education.
Some protesters also raised allegations about links between Mexican officials and US intelligence during the administration of then-president Gustavo Díaz Ordaz. Protester Jesús Sebastian alleged that Díaz Ordaz and his interior secretary, Luis Echeverría, had ties to the CIA, while historian Aleida criticised what she described as longstanding US involvement in Latin America.
Authorities said 18 people were treated for minor injuries, while a 17-year-old was taken to hospital after an explosive device he was carrying detonated and injured his hand.
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The annual march commemorates the events of October 2, 1968, when security forces violently repressed a student gathering at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, days before the opening of the Mexico City Olympic Games.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
