CULIACAN: Some 2,000 people demonstrated in support of Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman in his northwestern home state Wednesday, chanting “release him” following his weekend arrest.
Dressed in white and accompanied by a folk band, the protesters marched in the Sinaloa state capital of Culiacan before being dispersed by some 200 police officers. One young man was injured in the head amid a shoving match.
In Mexico City, federal prosecutors filed new organized crime charges against the Sinaloa cartel leader, who has been held in the country’s highest-security prison since his arrest Saturday.
The march, which included men, women and students, began in a church on a hilltop overlooking Culiacan and culminated in front of the city’s townhall amid shouts of “Viva El Chapo.”
One sign held by the protesters read: “Joaquin Guzman gave jobs, not like you corrupt politicians.”
A homemaker from Culiacan’s blue-collar district of Las Coloradas said “El Chapo helps companies that support those in needs.” “El Chapo prevents other rival cartels from entering Sinaloa,” said the 30-year-old woman, who refused to give her name.
Anonymous fliers were found throughout the city earlier in the day, calling on residents to demonstrate for “the release of El Chapo, hero of Sinaloa.” (Agencies)
