Calderon Facing Growing Anger Over Drug Violence

The recent slaying of a popular poet’s son and the discovery of mass graves filled with hundreds of bodies have prompted a strong public outcry against Mexican President Felipe Calderon and what critics call his failed anti-drug policies. A massive demonstration is planned for Sunday in Mexico City. —ARK

Los Angeles Times:

Calderon, in a series of recent comments, has sought to steer blame toward the violent drug gangs, which at times act with the help of police under the control of local authorities. The president has accused detractors of political aims, and vowed to continue his 4 1/2-year-old crackdown on drug cartels.

... Outrage over the rising death toll, with more than 34,000 people killed since Calderon took office pledging to fight cartels, has already generated sporadic street protests.

... Big crowds are expected again in Mexico City’s main plaza Sunday to urge an end to the bloodshed. Hundreds of marchers set out Thursday from Cuernavaca, 60 miles south of the capital, and were expected to be joined by many more after reaching Mexico City.

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Flickr / CIAT International Center for Tropical Agriculture Some rights reserved

Felipe Calderon speaks at the Forest Day conference in Cancun, Mexico, in December.