Mexico: Student activists staging protest march in Morelia, Michoacan State, Oct. 15

Student activists have launched a protest march in Morelia, Michoacan State, Oct. 15. The purpose of the demonstration is to demand that authorities release students who were reportedly injured and arrested by police in connection with the alleged theft of a vehicle. The protesters are marching toward the Government Palace via Avenida La Huerta, the Monument to Lazaro Cardenas, and Avenida Francisco Madero Poniente. Some march participants have thrown stones and other objects as well as vandalized surfaces with graffiti. The march has led to heavy traffic congestion on some local routes. Authorities have deployed a heightened security presence in the vicinity of the Government Palace. The precise number of people participating in the protest was not immediately clear.

Heightened security measures and disruptions to transport and business are likely over the short term in areas subject to protest activity. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.