Mexicans Stage Massive, Silent Protest Against Violent Crime

[CShine]

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Hundreds of thousands of Mexicans wearing white staged a silent march through the heart of their nation's capital Sunday to protest kidnappings, violent crimes and the failures of law enforcement to curb them. The march was the largest here in recent history, completely filling Mexico City's central plaza and packing surrounding streets.

As protesters crossed the city, they did not chant or cheer but instead shared stories of how many people had been victims of violent crime. Marchers wore black ribbons in memory of victims killed during kidnappings and robberies, with some wearing T-shirts or carrying signs with images of the dead.

Buses brought protesters from states as far away as Chihuahua on the Texas border. Those who fit into the Zocalo square sang the national hymn, facing a gigantic Mexican flag.

"Let's give the death penalty to kidnappers and bring the army in to fight corrupt police," read a banner held aloft by Victor Miranda, a laborer from the poor neighborhood of Ixtacalco.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBW7H0MZVD.html

[henslee]

1. My friend in mexico just wtnessed the protest.... said it was

the most peaceful, moving thing he ever saw.