Chiapas Prosecutor’s Office Opens Investigation into Alleged Violence During Initiation Rituals at Mactumactzá Rural Teachers’ College
The Chiapas State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) has received five complaints regarding alleged acts of violence during the so-called initiation rituals (“novatadas”) at the Mactumactzá Rural Teachers’ College, prompting the launch of a formal investigation, Attorney General Jorge Luis Llaven Abarca announced on Wednesday.
The announcement was made in the municipality of Pantelhó following a Security Roundtable led by Governor Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar, where the issue was discussed.
In a video message, the attorney general stated that he instructed the head of the Metropolitan Prosecutor’s Office to begin the corresponding investigative proceedings.
“I am here in Pantelhó, Chiapas. We have just concluded a Security Roundtable led by Governor Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar, and I want to inform the people of Chiapas that I have instructed the Metropolitan Prosecutor to begin the investigations,” he said.
Five Formal Complaints Filed
Llaven Abarca reported that the Attorney General’s Office has so far received five complaints from students alleging acts of violence.
“As of this moment, we have five complaints from male and female students reporting acts of violence committed against them.”
The attorney general explained that the investigation was initiated following widespread media reports concerning the alleged initiation rituals at the educational institution.
“This stems from the media reports regarding these traditional initiation rituals taking place at a rural teachers’ college here in Tuxtla Gutiérrez,” he stated.
Investigation Underway
Based on the complaints received, the Metropolitan Prosecutor’s Office will open criminal investigation files and carry out the necessary investigative procedures to clarify what occurred, determine how the alleged incidents happened, and establish whether any criminal liability exists.
Llaven Abarca emphasized that the Attorney General’s Office will keep the public informed about the progress of the investigation and stated that the reported incidents will not go unpunished.
“We are beginning the investigations and will keep the people of Chiapas informed about their progress. There will be no impunity for these regrettable events, and we will continue to provide updates.”
He added that investigators will conduct all necessary proceedings to establish the facts and determine whether criminal offenses were committed.
Allegations Made by Students and Families
The complaints were filed after parents and students publicly reported alleged acts of violence against first-year students during the induction process at the Mactumactzá Rural Teachers’ College.
The allegations include:
- Restricting access to food and water.
- Requiring physically exhausting exercises.
- Other practices allegedly carried out as part of the initiation rituals.
The case gained greater public attention after a 17-year-old student was hospitalized with acute kidney failure. According to her relatives, the medical condition may be related to the practices that allegedly took place during the initiation process.
Following these allegations and the formal complaints submitted to authorities, the Chiapas State Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation to clarify the events and determine any corresponding legal responsibilities.
Source: aristeguinoticias
