News   /   Mexico

Mexican police clash with teachers in south Mexico

Riot police clash with demonstrators as members of a teachers’ union protest against Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto’s visit to the southern state of Oaxaca and his government's proposed education reforms, in Oaxaca City, Mexico, on September 7, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

Mexican police and protesters have clashed at a rally staged to protest a visit to the region by the president in the southern state of Oaxaca.

Members of the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) union took to the streets of the state’s capital city, Oaxaca de Juárez, on Thursday to protest Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto’s visit.

Members of the union managed to blockade streets in the early hours of the morning, also decrying educational reforms introduced by Nieto’s government.

During the clashes, a projectile hit a helicopter carrying media people covering the president’s visit to the region. No injuries from those on board the helicopter were reported but an emergency landing was made at a local field.

The rocket was reportedly launched by the protesting teachers.

At least three police officers were also injured facing off with the protesters.

Police sought to repel the protesters by using tear gas.

Riot police clash with demonstrators as members of a teachers’ union protest against Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto’s visit, in Oaxaca City, September 7, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

Teachers from Oaxaca are angry at the education reforms by Pena Nieto’s government, which has introduced stricter standards to raise teaching standards.

The unions argue that these reforms would put educators in rural parts of Mexico at a disadvantage, as new evaluations would not take into account the resources available to schools in more remote areas.

The Mexican president was scheduled to inaugurate the city’s Cultural and Convention Center. He was accompanied by Secretary of Economy Ildefonso Guajardo and Governor of Oaxaca Alejandro Murat Hinojosa.


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku