Six people were killed when protests about teachers turned violent in Oaxaca, Mexico, authorities said.
According to the Oaxaca state government, the clashes between teachers, state police and local residents left 53 civilians and 55 police officers injured. Violence broke out after seven days of street blockages and protests that started to disrupt traffic on a major highway that connects Oaxaca to Mexico City.
In the crowds of protestors are members of the CNTE union. The union has a history of radical activism. The union has been blocking roads in southern Mexico since the union leaders were arrested.
Riot police attempted to disperse the demonstrators Sunday after the clashes broke out and 21 people have been arrested now. Of the 21 arrested, two were high-profile union leaders that were accused of corruption. While police were trying to clear the roads, unknown gunmen began firing at both sides to create chaos and conflict.
The protests are because of the way teachers are being evaluated. The clashes could affect the delivery and supply of gasoline in the region. Pemex, a state-owned oil company that operates a refinery in the region, released a statement Friday saying if the blockages continue a shortage of gasoline could develop.
