Chiapas: A State Plagued by Violence and Insecurity

The recent murder of priest Marcelo Pérez, a defender of indigenous peoples and mediator between authorities and criminal groups in Chiapas, highlights the worsening violence in the state.

Bishop emeritus of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Felipe Arizmendi, and organizations like the Prodh Center, have noted that the state’s authorities and organizations have been overwhelmed by organized crime groups.

The Root of the Insecurity Crisis

The insecurity crisis in Chiapas stems from the dispute between drug trafficking groups for control of a strategic corridor that runs from South America to the United States.

Among the criminal cells vying for control of the plaza in Chiapas are the San Juan Chamula Cartel, Los Motonetos, and Los Herrera.

Los Motonetos: A Group Imposing Fear in San Cristóbal de las Casas

Los Motonetos, a group of young people not older than 25 years old, are involved in crimes such as human trafficking, prostitution, ethnopornography, rent collection, and homicides.

They impose their dominance through fear, with businesses being forced to pay fees to operate.

The Impact of Violence on the Local Economy

The extreme violence experienced in San Cristóbal de las Casas has had a significant impact on the local economy, with many businesses closing and hotels shutting down.

Eduardo Villatoro Ramos, president of the Canaco San Cristóbal de las Casas, notes that the uncertainty and fear have affected not only the tourism sector but also the world of commerce.

A Call to Action from the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church has responded to the violence, with Monsignor Ramón Castro Castro, bishop of Cuernavaca and secretary of the CEM, calling on the three levels of government to fight against the violence in the state.

“This act of violence not only affects the diocese of San Cristóbal de las Casas, but also hurts the entire church in Mexico. For society as a whole, especially in a region that is currently experiencing fragile situations of violence and conflict between organized crime groups, we urgently call on authorities at all levels of government to redouble efforts to combat the violence and the impunity that affects the Chiapas region.”

The Need for Action

The violence in Chiapas does not discriminate between viewpoints or opinions, and it is essential that the authorities take immediate action to address the crisis.

The citizens of Chiapas deserve to live in a safe and secure environment, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that this is the case.