Bishop in Southern Mexico concerned about spread of gangs

Mexico City, Mexico, Nov 25, 2004 / 22:00 pm

Bishop Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel of San Cristobal de las Casas said this week the spread of juvenile gangs is an “extremely worrisome” phenomenon.

Several areas in the southern Mexican region of Chiapas have experienced a wave of violence due to the presence of gangs, which have spread into the area from Central America.

Referring to a violent confrontation between two gangs which took place last Saturday, Bishop Arizmendi said, “All acts of violence are a concern for everyone, and we must see how we can attack the roots of violence in our families, our churches, the media and other organizations.”

Bishop Arizmendi pointed out that gang violence “cannot be attacked only by having more police officers, but rather by better educating in values in our families, schools and churches.”

“I hope that not only authorities will pay more attention to this problem, but all citizens as well, because the bad thing about this is that some Mexican young people are being infected by this lifestyle, and if we add to that the use of drugs, we’re talking about the possibility of serious problems,” he concluded.