Mexico: Activists to hold protest march from Monumento de la Revolucion to Zocalo, Mexico City, May 5

Event

Activists will gather at the Monument de la Revolucion 17:00 May 5 and march to the Plaza de la Constitucion, widely known as the Zocalo, where protests outside the Palacio Nacional are likely to follow. The demonstration is related to the fatal May 3 accident within Mexico City's metro system; organizers are demanding increased scrutiny of construction and maintenance of public infrastructure, and protesting what they claim are insufficient efforts by the government to ensure the safety of the metro system. Localized transport disruptions are likely along the protest march route, and clashes are possible, especially if police attempt to forcibly disperse the demonstrators.

Context

The collapse of a bridge carrying a metro train onto a roadway near Olivos Station resulted in the deaths of at least 25 individuals, prompting widespread criticism of metro system maintenance; the system likely suffered significant damages during a 2017 earthquake. Activists have criticized both the government of Mexico City and the national government, and additional protests near government buildings are possible.

Advice

Avoid the protest march as a precaution. Allow for additional travel time near the protest route. If violence occurs, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a non-governmental building.