Definition of the Tlatelolco Massacre

In the center of the capital of Mexico is an emblematic place, the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, also popularly known as Tlatelolco. In this square there is a monument in which those who died on October 2, 1968 are remembered. This unfortunate episode has gone down in history as the Tlatelolco Massacre.

A bloody day that Mexicans have not forgotten

That October 2, 1968, the Plaza de las Tres Culturas was filled with protesters of all ages, but especially young university students who came from various states of the city. nation. The students were accompanied by teachers and they congregated in this place because they wanted to express their rejection against the government chaired by Gustavo Díaz.

The movement student was opposed to the repressive measures of the government and demanded the Liberty of political prisoners, an end to police repression and the removal of the main police officers. Mexican students were disappointed with the politics official of the rulers of the PRI and their corruption.

The protesters realized that an army helicopter was flying over the square and that little by little armed policemen were arriving. Some student leaders and teachers began their protest speeches, but could not continue because some shots began to be heard.

After a few stray bullets and some initial confusion, an intense gunfight began.

Dozens of people of all ages were shot and the square was filled with corpses. Those who witnessed that bloody and brutal action cannot forget what they saw and felt. Almost 50 years after that episode, the exact number of victims is still unknown.

Ten days after the Tlatelolco Massacre, the Olympic Games began in the Mexican capital

While the means of communication International organizations spread the news of the massacre and censored the police measures, the national media were not especially critical of the repressive action of the police.

During the days following October 2, there were doubts about a possible suspension of the Olympic Games, since a celebration at the national level seemed incompatible with the I respect to the victims.

The Olympic Games were not suspended and, curiously, they became a competition with great sporting feats, especially among American sprinters.

While the Mexican government tried to population kept entertained with the spectacle of the Games, those attending the sports competitions shouted excitedly remembering the victims of Tlatelolco.

Photo: Fotolia - NoraDoa