Prominent Mexican left-wing politician Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador demanded on January 10 to know how the authorities could catch an escaped gangster, but were unable to find the 43 students kidnapped in Ayotzinapa in Guerrero state in September 2014.
The National Regeneration Movement (Morena) leader and twice presidential candidate hit out at the government following the arrest of Sinaloa Cartel drug kingpin Joachin “El Chapo” Guzman on January 8.
The student teachers from Ayotzinapa, meanwhile, are feared dead at the hands of a gang. Their remains have not been found.
“They can detain El Chapo, but they are not capable — they are useless — when it comes to finding 43 missing Ayotzinapa students,” Lopez Obrador said. He also accused President Enrique Pena Nieto's government of corruption.
“Which is the cartel that steals the most?” he asked. “The Los Pinos (presidential offices and residence) cartel which is lead by Pena Nieto.”
Guzman was recaptured by Mexican commandos after six months on the run following an elaborate prison escape. He was tracked down to a home in Los Mochis, Sinaloa state, following a tip-off.
The fugitive tried to escape through storm drains during a gunfight that claimed the lives of five of his accomplices, but was picked up as he drove away.
Guzman also famously escaped from prison in 2001, evading authorities for 13 years until his recapture in 2014.
[Abridged from the Morning Star.]
Like the article? Subscribe to Green Left now! You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.