On International Women’s Day, March 8, the streets of Campeche witnessed a massive feminist march that began with peaceful demonstrations but escalated into violent confrontations.
According to reports from Diario de Yucatán, a group of protesters clashed with police officers near the city’s historic center, resulting in shocking scenes where several officers were set on fire after being doused with flammable substances.
The march, organized to demand justice for victims of femicide and greater protections for women, drew hundreds of participants carrying banners and chanting slogans against gender violence. While most of the mobilization remained peaceful, tensions rose when demonstrators attempted to breach police barricades. Authorities reported that at least three officers sustained burns and were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Government officials condemned the attacks, emphasizing that violence undermines the legitimacy of feminist demands. “We respect the right to protest, but aggression against public servants cannot be tolerated,” stated a spokesperson for the Campeche state government.
Activist groups, however, argued that the escalation reflects years of frustration with systemic impunity and lack of progress in addressing femicide cases. They stressed that the majority of marchers acted peacefully and that isolated incidents should not overshadow the broader message of justice and equality.
The events in Campeche highlight the growing intensity of feminist mobilizations across Mexico, where International Women’s Day has become a focal point for both solidarity and confrontation. Authorities pledged to investigate the attacks while reaffirming commitments to dialogue with women’s organizations.
Source: Diario de Yucatán
