15 Jun 2024 | 06:05 PM UTC
Mexico: Protesters block Federal Highway 150D near Palmar de Bravo, Puebla State, June 15
Protesters block Federal Highway 150D near Palmar de Bravo, Puebla State, Mexico, June 15, disrupting traffic; increased security likely.
Residents of Palmar de Bravo, Puebla State, who are supportive of the Ecologist Green Party of Mexico (Partido Verde Ecologista de Mexico, PVEM) have reportedly blocked Federal Highway 150D in the vicinity of the town as part of a protest June 15. The purpose of the demonstration is to denounce the results of a local June 2 election that the State Electoral Institute (Instituto Electoral del Estado, IEE) announced on June 14. PVEM supporters have alleged that the election, which the IEE asserts was narrowly won by independent candidate Juan Carlos Varillas, was marred by fraud.
Video of the protest site appeared to show a few dozen people participating in the demonstration. Some protesters have burned tires on the highway. The protest and the accompanying roadblock have caused significant transport disruptions on Federal Highway 150D that have prompted the diversion of vehicular traffic through nearby Acatzingo de Hidalgo.
Transport disruptions will likely continue to affect Federal Highway 150D over the coming hours. Authorities will probably deploy a heightened security presence to the vicinity of the demonstration. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces, or between protesters and frustrated motorists, cannot be ruled out.
Avoid the affected stretch of Federal Highway 150D until the protest concludes and traffic flows normalize. Consider taking alternative routes to circumvent the vicinity of the demonstration and related disruptions. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
