Mexico City, March 27 (teleSUR-RHC) Mexico marked six months since the forced disappearance of 43 students from Ayotzinapa with huge marches and actions all over the country.
Events kicked off with demonstrations in the state of Guerrero, demanding the return of the students, and the canceling of state elections in June. Meanwhile, relatives of the 43 protested outside the National Electoral Institute, arguing that conditions have not been met for the midterm ballot boxes to be opened in the violent state.
Supporters across the country joined silent vigils, with posters baring the names and faces of the students, who were training to be teachers when they were kidnapped by police in the town of Iguala.
Thousands gathered at the Angel of Independence statue in Mexico City before marching on the Monument of the Revolution, including syndicates, student collectives and popular movements, demanding justice for the 43.
When the march had come to a stop, Meliton Ortega, father of missing Mauricio Ortega and spokesman of the students´ parents, delivered a heart wrenching testimony. “This has broken our hearts. But even though the government and attorney general are trying to silence the voices of the parents with their lies, they will not stop us. We will continue the fight for the truth,” he said.
In Chiapas, thousands more teachers marched to demand the return of their Ayotzinapa colleagues. The day's events ended with thousands of supporters shouting “You are not alone,” and, “It was the state,” before the parents announced that on April 4 they will hold a Popular National Assembly, and on the 10th to 12th of April they will celebrate a Popular National Convention.