Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — A group of land invaders are responsible for a multi-kilometer-long traffic jam Thursday night. The group held up traffic at the southern entrance to the city of Playa del Carmen for hours.
The group responsible for the Thursday night road block of the federal 307 highway were squatters from the San Judas Tadeo neighborhood.
The road block was put into place around 7:00 p.m. near Centro Maya by the group protesting the recent arrest of Romeo Gómez Gómez, a man accused of intentionally invading Playa del Carmen land to start settlements.
The arrest of Romeo Gómez Gómez stems from the October 7 land takeover attempt in southwest Playa del Carmen that resulted in the arrests of 10 people for land dispossession.
On Thursday night, the group of squatters were demanding his release after he was formally charged earlier that day. He was facing charges of extortion and dispossession of land belonging to the Playa del Carmen ejido.
The blockade of the federal highway is deemed illegal by authorities, who, following a coordinated operation between municipal, state and federal authorities, were finally able to clear the highway after arresting people.
Federal highway traffic was restored after at least 10 people were taken into police custody for obstructing communication routes after repeatedly refusing to leave. Authorities reiterated that while the right to demonstrate is respected, no group can disrupt mobility.
“The Government of Playa del Carmen reports that, faced with an illegal blockade at the southern entrance of the municipality, actions were activated to restore order and guarantee free transit, in accordance with the law and Human Rights.
“We defend the right to demonstrate, but no protest justifies blocking roads or affecting third parties. Our commitment is to protect the legality, security and peace of all,” Ayuntamiento de Playa Del Carmen (City Hall) posted Thursday night.
In an official statement, the municipal government said “In Playa del Carmen we defend the right to demonstrate, but no protest can justify affecting third parties or blocking public roads. Anyone who engages in these practices will be sanctioned according to the law.”
During the hours-long highway blockade, dozens of tourists were left stranded at parks outside the city. Police arrived at those tourist sites to offer rides after their bus failed to arrive.
The Quintana Roo Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC) provided support to the tourists who found themselves stranded due to the blockade.
“The Quintana Roo Citizen Security Secretariat reports providing immediate assistance to a group of visitors stranded at a bus stop near an ecological park in Playa del Carmen.
“In order to ensure the safety and well-being of Quintana Roo residents and tourists, operational units were deployed to facilitate the safe transport of these individuals to the city center, guaranteeing adequate support and optimal mobility conditions at all times.”
