Thousands of supporters of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) took to the streets across 12 caracoles in Chiapas to demand justice for Samir Flores Soberanes, an activist murdered six years ago in Morelos.
One of the largest demonstrations occurred at Caracol Tulan Ka’u, in the Tseltal municipality of Amatenango del Valle, where Zapatistas held a candlelit vigil and voiced their frustration over the lack of justice.
“Are we asking for justice from those who ordered his killing?” they questioned, expressing doubt in the Mexican government’s willingness to hold the real culprits accountable.
Zapatistas Condemn Government Inaction
In a statement read by a masked female protester, the EZLN criticized the Fourth Transformation government, led by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, accusing it of continuing the legacy of impunity.
“Before this administration, how many injustices were there? How many more will come? Are we mistaken in believing that justice will come from those who ordered our deaths?”
Protesters questioned the effectiveness of Mexico’s justice system, highlighting the continued delays and bureaucratic hurdles in solving Samir Flores’ murder.
Who Was Samir Flores?
Samir Flores Soberanes, a well-known activist, was a leading voice against the Proyecto Integral Morelos (PIM)—a controversial government-backed infrastructure project he believed would harm local communities.
Key events leading to his murder:
- February 19, 2019 – Samir Flores publicly confronted Hugo Érick Flores, a federal government representative, about the negative impact of the PIM project.
- February 20, 2019 – The following morning, at 5:30 AM, three unidentified men arrived at his home under false pretenses, lured him outside, and shot him dead.
Zapatistas argue that corporate interests and government officials colluded to silence his activism.
“The ones who ordered Samir’s murder were transnational narco-businesses who want to impose the PIM. The government is nothing but their accomplice,” protesters claimed.
A Call for Grassroots Justice
During the protests, EZLN members vowed to continue their fight, stating that true justice will come from the people, not from the state.
“Justice will be carried out street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood, community by community. The people of Mexico must take action.”
Masked Zapatistas held banners and chanted:
- “Samir didn’t die, the government killed him!”
- “Justice for Samir—only the people will deliver it!”
- “Six years later, no justice from the government!”
The demonstrations spread to caracoles in La Realidad, Oventic, La Garrucha, Morelia, Roberto Barrios, La Unión, Jacinto Canek, Dolores Hidalgo, Jerusalén, Patria Nueva, and Joljá, showing the widespread support for their cause.
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