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International

Mexican citizens'€™ self-defense groups

Tired of the violence from the drug wars, citizens of Guerrero State take community policing into their own hands.

September 20, 2013 2:02PM ET
Citizen police attend a community meeting in Rancho Nuevo, Guerrero, Mexico, September 14, 2013. As drug-war related violence increases, the people of this southern Mexican state have started to take the law into their hands.
Citizen police attend a community meeting in Rancho Nuevo, Guerrero, Mexico, September 14, 2013. As drug-war related violence increases, the people of this southern Mexican state have started to take the law into their hands. Katie Orlinsky for Al Jazeera America
Bruno Placido, 43, center, is the leader of the UPOEG, the Union of Organized Peoples of the State of Guerrero, a citizens self defense group. In this photo, he discusses army repression at a community meeting in Ayutla, Guerrero, Mexico.
Bruno Placido, 43, center, is the leader of the UPOEG, the Union of Organized Peoples of the State of Guerrero, a citizens self defense group. In this photo, he discusses army repression at a community meeting in Ayutla, Guerrero, Mexico. Katie Orlinsky for Al Jazeera America
A member of the UPOEG walks by the group’s base in Ayutla, Guerrero, Mexico. The signs reads, “UPOEG for dialogue, peace, and dignity.”
A member of the UPOEG walks by the group’s base in Ayutla, Guerrero, Mexico. The signs reads, “UPOEG for dialogue, peace, and dignity.” Katie Orlinsky for Al Jazeera America
A road outside of Rancho Nuevo, a town in Guerrero where a citizens self defense group has taken up arms.
A road outside of Rancho Nuevo, a town in Guerrero where a citizens self defense group has taken up arms. Katie Orlinsky for Al Jazeera America
UPOEG citizen police convene at a resident's home in Rancho Nuevo, Guerrero, Mexico before a community meeting.
UPOEG citizen police convene at a resident's home in Rancho Nuevo, Guerrero, Mexico before a community meeting. Katie Orlinsky for Al Jazeera America
A pair of handcuffs dangle from one of the group member’s pocket in Rancho Nuevo.
A pair of handcuffs dangle from one of the group member’s pocket in Rancho Nuevo. Katie Orlinsky for Al Jazeera America
Outside the UPOEG citizen police base in Ayutla. The police convene here and receive their assignments.
Outside the UPOEG citizen police base in Ayutla. The police convene here and receive their assignments. Katie Orlinsky for Al Jazeera America
Three members of the UPOEG are driven away after being arrested by the army. They were accused of driving a stolen vehicle, which they denied.
Three members of the UPOEG are driven away after being arrested by the army. They were accused of driving a stolen vehicle, which they denied. Katie Orlinsky for Al Jazeera America
Ernesto Gallardo, 28, UPOEG’s regional “commander” discusses the arrest of three of the force’s men by the army. At the meeting it was proposed that they kick the army out of the region completely, using force if necessary.
Ernesto Gallardo, 28, UPOEG’s regional “commander” discusses the arrest of three of the force’s men by the army. At the meeting it was proposed that they kick the army out of the region completely, using force if necessary. Katie Orlinsky for Al Jazeera America
After the community meeting, a local woman speaks with Gallardo.
After the community meeting, a local woman speaks with Gallardo. Katie Orlinsky for Al Jazeera America
Local women serve the UPOEG members seafood soup. Some of the food and other staples are donated by farmers and townspeople.
Local women serve the UPOEG members seafood soup. Some of the food and other staples are donated by farmers and townspeople. Katie Orlinsky for Al Jazeera America
A case against two men and a woman involved in a bar fight is held in the UPOEG base in Ayutla. The base is often used as a courtroom.
A case against two men and a woman involved in a bar fight is held in the UPOEG base in Ayutla. The base is often used as a courtroom. Katie Orlinsky for Al Jazeera America
Two prisoners wait inside a locked room at the UPOEG base in Ayutla.
Two prisoners wait inside a locked room at the UPOEG base in Ayutla. Katie Orlinsky for Al Jazeera America
Outside the base in Ayutla September 14, 2013. Most of the group members use their own guns.
Outside the base in Ayutla September 14, 2013. Most of the group members use their own guns. Katie Orlinsky for Al Jazeera America

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Places
Mexico
Topics
Drugs, Police

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