Merida, Yucatan — The mayor has warned that demonstrations like the one Saturday in Parque de la Madre won’t happen again under his watch.
“We will establish protocols for future demonstrations where we will always guarantee the freedom of expression of all groups, regardless of their causes, but we will not allow damage to heritage,” said Renán Barrera Concha.
He also reiterated his rejection of vandalism. A monument honoring motherhood was spray painted by protestors as part of a nationwide rebellion against Mexico’s abortion laws.
The mayor, without commenting on the legitimacy of their complaint, rejected the protestors’ tactics.
“Any manifestation regardless of the cause that promotes it, loses validity and legitimacy when these acts of violence, threats and incitement of violence exist. Polarization brings nothing good for those who promote these causes,” he said.
Barrera Concha said the City Council filed a complaint against anyone responsible for the damage caused to the Calle 60 monument. No suspects have been named.
The city will coordinate with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) for the restoration of the monument.
Barrera Concha added that any act of vandalism that occurs in the city is reported to the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE). The city council will help the process by providing videos and information.
Text and photo: Acom