Cozumel Protests Over Alleged Kidnapper’s Release

CANCÚN — The release of a man, alleged to be responsible for the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl, has unleashed a wave of public outrage that culminated in a protest tonight outside the offices of the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) in Cozumel. Relatives and a group of citizens are demanding justice and denouncing alleged irregularities in the case.

The minor, who disappeared this past Sunday, was located two days later, which led to the suspect’s detention. However, to the surprise of the family and the community, the 21-year-old man was released today, generating strong criticism against the ministerial authorities.

The parents of the teenager stated that, initially, FGE personnel refused to file the formal report in a timely and proper manner. Now, with the suspect’s release, the family and protesters allege that the individual paid 500,000 pesos to secure his freedom, which they are calling an injustice.

Anger is palpable among the citizens who gathered at the location. Chants against the FGE have intensified, and some protesters have warned that if the authorities do not act, they will “take justice into their own hands.”

It is expected that in the coming hours the Attorney General’s Office will issue a statement to clarify the circumstances of the suspect’s release and to calm the tempers of the populace, which remains on alert following this event.