Activists condemn Mexico City police violence

A week of protests following the killing of a construction worker who was allegedly beaten to death after police detained him for not wearing a face mask as per coronavirus regulations, culminated on Sunday with a demonstration in Mexico City for another victim of brutality.

Giovanni Lopez lost his life in Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos, Jalisco, last month allegedly at the hands of the State of Jalisco Police, for not wearing a face mask to protect him from COVID-19.

Authorities in western Mexico arrested three police officers, including the commissioner, and took over their local police department Friday in connection with the alleged beating death.

Also on Friday, Melanie, a 16-year-old girl who was protesting in Polanco, an upper class neighborhood in Mexico City, was trampled by several police officers and kicked and knocked unconscious.

The incident was filmed by, among others, the Marabunta's Human Rights Peace Brigade.

"We have long ago identified police elements who should not be able to be out in the field," said Miguel Barrera, who founded Marabunta 33 years ago.

"They have dehumanized so much, that I can't conceive who is able to see a very small woman, very slim, who is not offering any resistance, and kick her."

Mexico City's Governor Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the use of disproportional force by police and said two of the officers involved in the incident are in custody.

Melanie was hospitalized and reported to be in a stable condition.

The killing of López spurred violent protests in Guadalajara.

Jalisco Governor Enrique Alfaro called the killing an "atrocity" and promised to clear up the case, but also asserted that the sudden backlash was politically motivated.

(Representative Image)(Image Credit Pixabay)