Story By: Maja Mishevksa, Sub Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
CEN/@ali.gomeznechay
This is the moment a couple is arrested on a beach after a nearby bar complained to cops that the pair had not bought anything and wanted them moved.
The incident was filmed on Mamitas Beach in the tourist resort of Playa del Carmen in the south-eastern Mexican state of Quintana Roo when the unnamed couple was enjoying an afternoon in the sun.
CEN/@ali.gomeznechay
According to local media, the beach club of Playa Mamitas claim they have exclusive rights to that stretch of beach and reported the couple to the police for not buying any of their products. However, netizens complained that the beach is actually federal property and that people can enjoy it for free.
In the footage, one woman can even be heard shouting in Spanish: “The beach is [a] public [space].”
Reports said that the woman, identified as Asenet N., was handcuffed and beachgoers confirmed the officers’ behaviour was over the top.
Cops also reportedly threatened the couple while forcing them off the beach and also warning beachgoers who filmed the incident, according to local media.
CEN/@ali.gomeznechay
The young woman reportedly claimed that she was left bleeding after her arrest.
The local authorities have yet to respond to the allegations.
Reports said the cops were tourist police officers responsible for keeping public order in holiday hotspots.
According to local media, Mexican law says that areas 20 metres from the coast are considered federal property and while an individual or company can buy land in such zones,they are not allowed to ban access to it.
They patrol the streets and beachfronts to keep the peace and prevent hawkers and other illegal traders from selling their wares to tourists.
CEN/@ali.gomeznechay
Netizen ‘Noloseparanada’ commented: “No more injustice, the beach is free!”
‘SLGLEZ9559’ said: “Beaches are for everyone! Those in charge of Mexico’s beaches need to understand this.”
The ViralTab page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.
