A nationwide demonstration scheduled Sunday seeks to defend democracy, activists and businessmen said
The Mexican Employer Confederation in Mexicali, along with other civil organizations, called on citizens to take part Sunday in a demonstration that will take place in Mexicali’s Civic Center Square to express their disagreement with the electoral reform.
“It is not necessary to make modifications to Elections Law as those proposed in the new reform to dismantle the institution,” said Octavio Sandoval López, President of Mexicali’s Confederation.
On Wednesday, the Mexican Senate voted for a so-called B Plan that cuts significant funds to the National Electoral Institute.
At a press conference, Sandoval pointed out that it is not yet time to make severe changes to Mexico’s electoral system, since the country’s democracy is still in the process of being built.
“The system was difficult to build and it guarantees that those who come to power can leave or can be ratified based on the decision of the people,” Sandoval said. “The best proof that the system is reliable is for those who are governing 21 states and have most of the local legislatures.”
After the demonstration, the confederation plans to launch an initiative called “Amicus Curiae” in order to gather voter signatures nationwide to call the Supreme Court to declare the reform as unconstitutional.
Organizers plan to collect 50,000 signatures in Baja California.
Mexican rodeo declared as cultural heritage
Mexican rodeo, known in Spanish as Charrería, was declared cultural heritage in Baja California.
The declaration decree was published in the State’s Official Periodical Friday.
State Secretary of Culture Alma Delia Ábrego said Baja California is home to several charro associations, as well as 20 sites to practice the activity, schools of judges and charrería.
“Charrería in Baja California has become a specialized activity divided in several categories,” Sec. Ábrego said. “It’s a sport that is part of (the state’s) historic, social and cultural development.”
The designation seeks to protect Baja Californians cultural rights.
So far, the stage has issued 20 declarations that include sites, structures, protected areas, cultural activities, museums, libraries and archives.
In 2016 the UNESCO declared charrería as part of Cultural Patrimony of Humanity.
Activist declared not guilty
A San Felipe activist who was arrested over two years ago was released from prison after a Mexican judge declared him not guilty.
La Crónica newspaper said relatives and lawyers of fishermen leader Sunshine Antonio Rodríguez Peña announced the verdict Tuesday.
The activist was originally arrested under charges of traffic of Totoaba — a Sea of Cortez endemic species under threat of extinction.
In a video, Sunshine’s brother Antonio Rodríguez said prosecutors with the Mexican Attorney General’s office were unable to prove any of their allegations.
“We were lucky to have a judge who did his job,” Antonio Rodríguez said. “It was proved no evidence could demonstrate any crime.”
Sunshine Rodríguez was arrested in San Felipe in Nov. 2020. Since then, hearings were delayed.
The Mexican Attorney General’s office accused Sunshine of organized crime related to environmental violations.
Judge Enrique Hernández said the allegations were unfounded as prosecutors based the accusations in declarations and assumptions taken from media outlet reports.
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