Mexico City, Mexico—— When 43 students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers College disappeared in Iguala, Guerrero state, in 2014, allegedly by security forces and local drug gangs, their parents came to Mexico City to participate in an annual march demanding justice for the children.
Ten years on, the disappearance has become one of the most iconic cases of human rights abuses in a country that has been rife with them for decades. Although the government admitted in 2022 that the disappearance was a state crimeNo major military or government officials have been convicted in connection with the case.
On September 23, the parents returned to the capital to denounce impunity and their – and independent investigators — called for obstructionist measures from the government of outgoing President Andres Manuel López Obrador, who has campaigned for justice for the families of the missing students.
Read more: Investigation into 43 missing students in Mexico ends, committee accuses government of obstruction
“No one expected that these incidents would go unpunished,” said Isidoro Vicario, a lawyer for the Ayotzinapa family. “Nor did anyone realize that the aggression that led to the disappearance of the students was orchestrated by various police and military forces, not just organized crime in the city of Iguala. Now, ten years later, we can confirm that Ayozina The Pa case is indeed a state crime.”
The parents were welcomed by the Otomi indigenous people at the Casa de los Pueblos Samir Flores Soberanes in Mexico City on Monday ahead of a parade planned for September 26. Named after Samir Flores, an indigenous leader and land defender who was murdered in February 2019, the center serves as a gathering place for activists.
Aztec Report Attend parent and supporter meetings. Here are some of their messages, edited for length and clarity.
Joaquina Garcia VelazquezMother Martin Geseimani Sanchez Garcia
“We are the same as on day one, not knowing what happened to our children or where they are. Our struggle has lasted for ten years, filled with pain and suffering because we have no children. We are not the only ones suffering. of people; there are thousands of missing people across the country.”
“But, as mothers, we will continue this fight until we find out where our children are or what happened to them. No matter who comes, we will continue to fight until the truth is found.”
Blanca NavaMother Jorge Alvarez Nava
“Ten years sounds easy, but only God knows what we have been through. As mothers, we will not stop fighting for the truth and finding them.”
“That's why I always tell the government, it's not the criminals that are the problem; it's the problem.” The criminals are the police because they catch them. Just as they captured them alive, we want them back – to end this suffering and tell us the truth. It's been 10 years. We didn't stop; we didn't have a peaceful night because we were always thinking about them. No words can express it. As a mother, having a child taken away from you is a huge pain. I love my son and I want him back. “
Mario Abarca Carrillo, brother of Luis Ángel Abarca Carrillo
“I am the brother of one of the 43. His name is Luis Angel Abarca Carrillo and the fact is that he has disappeared since he left Costa Chica and we have been waiting for him, Because the whole family is waiting for him. Why? Because we have hope that they can return to their home.”
“For them, the army is untouchable. But we all know that the government is directly involved through the police, the army and the municipal police. They take these young people and make them disappear, in collusion with organized crime. Facts Yes, after fighting for 10 years and getting here, I pay tribute to my parents because it’s a huge pain.”
Francisco Lauro VillegasMagdaleno Ruben Lauro Villegas' father
“When Andres Manuel López Obrador started his campaign, he said: 'It's great to meet you, parents. I will help you. As parents, we are very happy , because we finally learned the truth about our child. He lied to us like we were little kids. It’s been almost three days since we didn’t know the truth. But as parents, we are not tired of marching and protesting.“.
As every year, the parade will take place on September 26, the day 43 students were forcibly taken away and disappeared, along Mexico City's main thoroughfare Reforma Avenue, where the iconic Independence Monument stands, a golden Angel, symbolizing the Independence Monument. Overlooking the city center.
