Parents of 43 missing students begin 43-hour hunger strike in Mexico

Parents of 43 Mexican students who disappeared last year began a 43-hour hunger strike on Wednesday, a day before meeting with President Enrique Pena Nieto ahead of the case’s anniversary. The families of the young men gathered under a white tarp in front of Mexico City’s cathedral at the historic Zocalo square and declared the start of their protest at 7:00 pm (0000 GMT). Holding signs with the pictures and names of their sons, they sat as a doctor examined them to make sure they could take part in the nearly two-day fast. They were to spend the night there under tents.

For 43 hours, we will only drink water and we’ll be fasting when we meet with the president.

Nardo Flores, whose son Bernardo is among the missing.

It will only be the second meeting between the parents and Pena Nieto since last year’s tragedy, which turned into the biggest crisis of his administration and caused his approval rating to dip. The Mexican leader and the families will come face-to-face Thursday in a museum at the city’s vast Chapultepec park. Vidulfo Rosales, the parents’ attorney, said they will call on Pena Nieto to order a new investigation and for authorities to present the 43 young men alive.

I don’t know if I can handle the fast. I’m diabetic. I’ll do all I can. I’m doing this to get my son back.

Genovena Sanchez, whose son 21-year-old Israel Caballero is among the missing.

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