In a disturbing escalation during protests in Jalisco, Mexico, a police officer was set on fire by a demonstrator, capturing the violence in a 20-second video clip. The protests, which took place on Thursday, were sparked by the death of 30-year-old Giovanni Lopez, whose arrest and subsequent death were initially linked to not wearing a face mask during the height of coronavirus restrictions.
The video, recorded by journalist Mario Marlo, shows the moment a masked protester doused an officer with flammable liquid before igniting him. The officer, engulfed in flames along with part of his motorcycle, collapsed. Fellow officers in riot gear quickly intervened, extinguishing the flames and protecting him from further harm.
Amid chants of “Giovanni was killed by the state,” the protesters expressed their outrage over Lopez’s death, which has become a symbol of police brutality in Mexico. This incident, shared millions of times on social media, underscores the global wave of protests against police violence, mirroring actions seen in other countries.
Governor Enrique Alfaro of Jalisco confirmed injuries to six officers, including the one set alight, and clarified that Lopez’s arrest was not solely due to mask non-compliance, though he provided no further details on the arrest. Alfaro condemned the violence, describing the day’s events as unprecedented in the region.
The protests also saw significant property damage, with several police vehicles destroyed by fire, and 26 arrests made. Amidst the chaos, a protester was reported to have seized a police rifle, throwing it into a burning vehicle, further escalating the tension.
Governor Alfaro promised a thorough investigation into the day’s violence, highlighting a need for accountability and potentially signaling deeper reforms in how police interactions with the public are managed in Mexico. This incident in Jalisco not only reflects local grievances but also taps into a broader global discourse on police conduct and accountability.
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