Thousands march in GDL over contaminated water
Protesters held a second large march in Guadalajara on Sunday, Oct. 18, over poor-quality tap water.
Marchers demanded Governor Pablo Lemus be removed from office and called for accountability over an Oct. 11 police crackdown.
Lemus called the march peaceful overall, but said a group of about 300 people caused damage afterward and five were detained.
The CNDH, Mexico's national human rights commission, has taken over the investigation into alleged police abuses at the first protest.
Residents of Guadalajara marched for a second time on Sunday to protest the quality of the city's tap water. They called for Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus to be removed and for officials to answer for the police response to an earlier demonstration.
The march left Parque Revolución, known locally as Parque Rojo, shortly before midday and headed for the state Government Palace. La Jornada reported that thousands took part, while Crónica said fewer people turned out than for the first march on Oct. 11. For weeks residents have complained of yellowish or even dark water coming out of their taps.
According to Expansión, the column briefly split up over fears it had been infiltrated, and marchers repeatedly told hooded individuals to leave. Several outlets reported vandalism and looting at shops along the route.
In a Facebook post, Lemus called the march a "civic exercise." He said about 300 people stayed on after it ended and damaged property, including throwing firecrackers and incendiary devices at the doors of the state Congress and judiciary buildings. He said police detained five people who were in a stolen van carrying gasoline. These details come from the governor's account and have not been independently confirmed.
At the Oct. 11 protest, held near the governor's residence, police used tear gas and water cannon and arrested protesters. The CNDH has taken over the investigation into alleged abuses. Expansión reported that a judge ordered four people to stand trial but allowed them to remain free in the meantime. President Claudia Sheinbaum has promised federal support to address the water problem.
Sources: Expansión Política, La Jornada, Crónica, Uno TV, Mexico News Daily.