**”I Did Everything to Find the Students: AMLO Asserts Army Did Not Mislead Him in Ayotzinapa Case”**
In light of the tenth anniversary of the disappearance of the 43 students from Ayotzinapa’s Raul Isidro Burgos Rural Teachers College, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) reaffirmed his government’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind the tragic event. Speaking on September 26, 2024, AMLO expressed that his administration did all it could to locate the missing students.
“There is no impunity for anyone. We did everything possible to find the students and nobody was protected,” López Obrador stated during his morning press conference at the National Palace’s Treasury Hall. He added, “We wanted to know everything, and things got complicated by various interests, but the truth always prevails, justice might be delayed, but it comes.”
Despite the solemn anniversary, Mexico City’s government heightened security around the Zócalo by deploying concrete barriers, anti-riot fences, and metal barricades to prevent vehicle access and protect the surrounding historical buildings, including the National Palace.
López Obrador expressed his sympathy for the families of the missing students, affirming their right to protest. “Today marks 10 years since the disappearance of the young men from Ayotzinapa. The parents have every right to manifest their grief. One must understand the significance of losing a loved one, especially a child,” he said.
AMLO argued that security measures were necessary to protect against potential provocations and attacks. He also affirmed his confidence in Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the president-elect, to continue investigating the case. “We must protect historic buildings such as the Cathedral and the Palace because while the parents are justified in their demands, there are always those who seek to exploit the situation to cause harm,” he noted.
A day prior, López Obrador read a letter he sent to the parents of the 43 students, where he denied that the military had misled him. He reiterated his authority over the armed forces and mentioned that strict orders had been followed, including preventing certain military personnel, suspected of involvement, from escaping.
AMLO emphasized that certain military members had been held accountable for their roles. “It is crucial to note that despite the lack of evidence of the Army’s direct involvement in the disappearance, we acted against those who possibly committed crimes or failed to act to prevent the violence,” he wrote.
In conclusion, the president detailed that 151 individuals, including 134 civilians and 16 military members along with a Navy element, have been processed. There are still three pending arrest orders, and some detainees are expected to provide information soon. However, Gildardo López Astudillo, a former Guerreros Unidos leader and principal suspect, has not shown further willingness to cooperate despite initially providing critical information.
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**Secondary Article: Key Developments in Ayotzinapa Case as of 2024**
Recent updates in the Ayotzinapa case have revealed mixed progress in the ongoing investigation. As noted by multiple reports, the government has faced obstacles and resistance in uncovering the full truth behind the disappearance of the 43 students.
In a significant development, authorities arrested Gildardo López Astudillo, alias “El Gil,” on September 6, 2024. “El Gil,” initially collaborating as a protected witness, offered substantial information leading to the identification of the remains of two missing students. However, his subsequent reluctance to disclose further details has hindered the investigation.
Additionally, international observers have noted varying degrees of cooperation from military and government officials. Some stress the need for greater transparency and accountability in order to build public trust and advance the case. Notably, analysts point out that the preservation of institutional integrity and national security interests has often been cited as a reason for cautious handling of sensitive information.
These updates underscore the complexity of the Ayotzinapa case and the ongoing search for justice. As stakeholders await further breakthroughs, the ten-year mark serves as a solemn reminder of the enduring impact on the victims’ families and the broader struggle against impunity in Mexico.