The State plays dirty

The recent detention of the leader of United Peasants of Sinaloa, Baltazar Valdezhas once again demonstrated the dirty strategy of the state for suppress to those who fight by fair conditions and prices in it agricultural sector. The arrest and acquittal of Baltazar has become a symbol of growing government hostility towards the social movements What do they seek equity and justice in the fieldand, at the same time, of the power of the popular organization.

The persecution of Baltazar Valdéz is a clear example of how State can use coercive tactics to try to dismantle social movements that challenge the status quo. Political persecution not only demonstrates the fragility of democratic guarantees in the region, but also the determination of the State to maintain control over an agricultural sector that seeks to emancipate itself from unjust and exploitative policies. It is a poorly kept secret that the State government has always shown a worrying tendency towards the persecution of social leaders, using intimidation and legal tactics to silence dissident voices and repress movements that fight for social and economic justice. Through arbitrary arrests, unfounded accusations and manipulated judicial processes, the authorities seek to dismantle the community organization.

The judicial victory, however, should not be seen just as a fortunate exception, but as a testament to the power of community organizing and peaceful resistance. The ability of Campesinos Unidos de Sinaloa to mobilize support and maintain pressure on the judicial system was crucial in reversing a situation that could otherwise have resulted in grave injustice.

The fight for fair conditions and prices in the countryside is an ongoing battle that faces significant obstacles, including state repression. The illegitimate detention of Baltazar Valdéz and his subsequent release thanks to social mobilization should serve as a reminder of the importance of solidarity and organization in the defense of rights. As long as the State plays dirty, social movements must continue to strengthen their networks and strategies to ensure that justice prevails in the fight for a more equitable future for all farm workers.

The fighting continues!

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@PicasFuentes

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Originally from Mazatlán, Ricardo is currently studying a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Public Service at the School of Law and Social Sciences of the University of Monterrey. He has actively participated in the student community, notably as President of the Student Society of the Bachelor of Law and Public Service. Since 2021 he has been a History of Mexico teacher at the Santa Catarina Polytechnic Preparatory. At the age of 18 he published his first book: A short biography of the Mexican General and arms engineer Manuel Mondragón Montenegro. Since March 2022 he has been a journalist, opinion columnist and political analyst in regional media. His writings focus mainly on historical-social reflections, analysis of various public policies and interviews with government officials and members of civil society.

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