Chihuahua government seat attacked by protesters

The Government Palace of Chihuahua was damaged during a demonstration against governor César Duarte that turned violent.

Weapons, banners and documents of Mexico's Independence were also damaged after homemade bombs were hurled at a museum located inside the building.

A total of 18 policemen were injured in the clash by the sticks and stones carried by protesters. According to initial reports around 100 people were arrested and dozens of people got poisoned with tear gas.

The protest was organized by Jaime García Chávez, leader of the Citizens Union and members of the National Action Party (PAN), although the party officially denied organizing the protest. The government said that García, Víctor Quintana, former state leader of Morena and PAN congressman Rogelio Loya were responsible for the incident.

The protesters demanded Duarte's resignation due to the lack of gasoline, his intention to increase public debt and the challenge presented by the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) against the victory of Javier Corral, a member of the PAN, in the recent elections, among other reasons.

Around 400 people participated in the protest, 20 of which, mostly masked, used pipes and metal bars to destroy doors and windows in their attempt to enter the premises.

Guillermo Dowell, local leader of the PRI, said that the governor elected was responsible for the scuffle, while Corral says that the government itself provoked the clash.