Background and Relevance of the Individuals Involved
On September 23, 2021, protests took place in Guerrero’s capital, Chilpancingo, and Iguala. Parents and families of the 43 missing students reiterated their demands, including the handover of 800 folders containing information about the Ayotzinapa case. This event marks 11 years since the disappearance of the 43 normalistas from Ayotzinapa.
Who are Tomás Zerón de Lucio and José Ulises Bernabé García?
Tomás Zerón de Lucio, former director of the Criminal Investigation Agency (AIC), and José Ulises Bernabé García, former bench warrant judge in Iguala, are key figures in the construction of the so-called “historical truth” regarding the Ayotzinapa case. Both are sought for extradition due to their alleged involvement in the events surrounding the students’ disappearance.
Why are they relevant?
Zerón de Lucio and Bernabé are considered crucial to understanding the circumstances surrounding the forced disappearance of the 43 students. Their extradition is essential for shedding light on the case and ensuring justice for the families of the victims.
Protests and Demands
Thousands of students, families, and social organizations marched in the capital to demand the extradition of Zerón de Lucio and Bernabé. The protesters gathered at the anti-monument for the 43 in Paseo de la Reforma and proceeded to the central offices of the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE), urging faster extradition proceedings against those implicated in the case.
Current whereabouts of Zerón de Lucio and Bernabé
Zerón de Lucio has been a fugitive in Israel since 2019, while Bernabé resides in the United States, having sought political asylum.
Families’ Persistent Demands
More than a decade after the events, parents and families of the missing students have yet to receive satisfactory answers. María Concepción Tlatempa, mother of Jesús Jovany Rodríguez, expressed her frustration: “After 11 years, we have nothing. We know it’s a crime against the state, as acknowledged by President López Obrador, but there are no advancements. That’s why we continue to demand justice because we love our children.”
Criticism of Former Leaders
The protest also included criticism of former presidents Enrique Peña Nieto and Andrés Manuel López Obrador, as well as current Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum.
Parallel Actions in Guerrero
On the same day, masked individuals launched fireworks at military installations in Guerrero.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are Tomás Zerón de Lucio and José Ulises Bernabé García? Zerón de Lucio was the former director of the Criminal Investigation Agency (AIC), while Bernabé García was a bench warrant judge in Iguala. Both are key figures sought for extradition due to their alleged involvement in the Ayotzinapa case.
- Why is extradition important in this case? Extraditing Zerón de Lucio and Bernabé García is crucial for uncovering the truth about the students’ disappearance and ensuring justice for their families.
- What are the current whereabouts of Zerón de Lucio and Bernabé García? Zerón de Lucio is a fugitive in Israel since 2019, and Bernabé García resides in the United States after seeking political asylum.
- What are the families’ main demands? The families demand that the Mexican army hand over 800 folders containing information about the Ayotzinapa case and continue to push for justice for their children.
- Who was criticized during the protests? Former presidents Enrique Peña Nieto and Andrés Manuel López Obrador, as well as current Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, were criticized during the protests.
