Fisherman’s Death in Custody Sparks Outcry in Mexico

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — A fisherman who was unjustly detained in the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) this past Sunday died after allegedly being beaten by municipal police while in preventive custody, according to accusations from his colleagues.

The incident has prompted outcry from the local fishing community. On Monday, a group of fishermen gathered at the city's central Municipal Palace to meet with the General Secretary, Luis Herrera, to express their concern over the situation following the death of their companion.

A Detention and a Death

The events leading to the death began with the fisherman's detention on a local beach. A video circulating on social media appears to show officers detaining the man, who is accused of theft. In the footage, the man seems to be under the influence of alcohol and has difficulty speaking clearly. While being held handcuffed and lying on the sand, he repeatedly asks for his cell phone to be returned.

Tourism service providers in Playa del Carmen sent a letter to media outlets condemning the actions of the officers from the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) and demanding justice from the authorities of Quintana Roo. The letter states that mistreatment by police is not a new phenomenon for them, but the death of their colleague has exposed the "police savagery."

Demands for Justice and Official Response

According to available information, the General Secretary of the Municipal Government, Luis Herrera, informed the service providers that they must wait for the results of the investigations, which are expected within two weeks.

Meanwhile, the colleagues of the deceased fisherman are demanding justice from the authorities and have called for the intervention of the Governor of Quintana Roo to ensure a thorough investigation and the application of the law. They recount that the incident happened without any motive, simply because the man complained that his cell phone had been taken away, which triggered an act of police brutality that no citizen should suffer.

The tourism service providers stated that the violent repression and torture within police facilities is a fact that fills them with indignation and sadness.

In light of the regrettable events, fishermen and citizens are calling on state and municipal authorities to remain united and to jointly demand real change.