Mexican president burned in effigy as tens of thousands mark day of protest

Mexican president burned in effigy as tens of thousands mark day of protest
By Tim Johnson
McClatchy Foreign Staff November 20, 2014

MEXICO CITY — Tens of thousands of protesters massed Thursday night in Mexico City’s main plaza, carrying torches and bellowing “Out with Peña!” in the latest sign of surging discontent with the rule of President Enrique Peña Nieto.

The protesters cheered as what appeared to be a 30-foot-tall effigy, or perhaps a piñata, of Peña Nieto was set ablaze.

It was a relatively peaceful end to a national day of protest that began on a violent note with firebomb attacks and rock-throwing clashes.

Riot police blocked hundreds of hooded demonstrators from shutting down Mexico City’s international airport. Protesters a few blocks away set a police cruiser on fire and barricaded streets. TV newscasts showed images of protesters tossing Molotov cocktails at riot police. In one image, an officer was enveloped in flames. At least 14 arrests were reported.

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