On September 26, 2024, families of the 43 students who vanished in Mexico 11 years ago gathered in Mexico City, demanding justice and answers. This annual protest, which has occurred every year since the students disappeared in 2014, reflects the ongoing struggle for truth regarding one of the most notorious human rights cases in the country’s modern history.
The students, all from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers’ College in Guerrero, were last seen in the town of Iguala while traveling to Mexico City for a protest. Authorities suspect they were abducted by local police in collusion with a drug cartel, leading to their murder. Despite extensive investigations and numerous arrests—including a former attorney general—no one has been convicted of the crime.
Continuous Fight for Truth
The families of the missing students continue to voice their frustration over the lack of clarity surrounding the case. During Friday’s protest, Hilda Hernández, mother of one of the missing students, César Manuel González, stated, “After 11 years, the demand remains the same: their whereabouts; the truth, however painful it may be; and justice.” Her words resonate with many as they highlight the emotional toll of this prolonged fight.
Protests have often escalated in intensity, reflecting the deep-seated anger and distrust towards authorities. Just a day before the anniversary, a demonstration outside a military base turned violent, with protesters ramming a truck into one of its gates and setting it ablaze. This outburst underscores the growing impatience among families and supporters, who have been waiting for over a decade for accountability.
Since 2022, the case has been classified as a “state crime,” indicating the involvement of police and potentially government officials in the students’ abduction. Despite this designation, families argue that they still lack access to crucial documents that could illuminate the events leading to their loved ones’ disappearances. The military has been reluctant to release these materials, further fueling public outrage.
Government Response and Ongoing Investigations
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirmed her commitment to uncovering the truth during the anniversary protests. She emphasized that the government is dedicated to finding the young men and ensuring justice is served. Despite her assurances and a change in the special prosecutor overseeing the case, families feel little progress has been made.
“Governments come and governments go,” lamented Clemente Rodríguez, father of another missing student, Christian Rodríguez. “But the case remains unresolved.” His statement echoes the sentiments of countless families who have grown disillusioned with the pace of justice.
More than a hundred individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. While some were released due to procedural irregularities, others remain on trial. This includes former Attorney General Jesús Murillo Karam, who faces charges related to torture and obstruction of justice. Key figures still elude capture, including the case’s initial chief investigator, Tomás Zerón, who is believed to be in hiding in Israel.
As the families continue their fight for justice, the faces of the 43 students are a constant reminder of the ongoing crisis in Mexico, where over 133,000 individuals are reported missing. The annual protests not only honor the students but also serve as a broader critique of corruption and violence that pervades the nation.
