The restaurant “El Calamar,” which burned down 17 days ago in Coatzacoalcos, announced its “temporary closure for an indefinite period” due to persistent threats.
In a statement signed by general manager Abidán Salas Velázquez, the restaurant explained that the measure aims to “protect people.”
The closure of the business follows that of the “Luisa Flores Valencia” kindergarten and elementary school, located in the Cruz Verde neighborhood, just two blocks from the Acayucan municipal building, which also closed, allegedly as a measure against extortion.
The announcement of “El Calamar’s” closure came despite plans to reopen it last Friday, February 13, according to Salas Velázquez’s statement.
“After this unfortunate event, we made a titanic effort to rebuild and reopen our doors, demonstrating unity and determination,” he explained.
He added that “given the existence of threats that could endanger third parties, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of our customers and our staff, on whom more than 36 families depend, above any economic interest, we have made the responsible decision to close temporarily and indefinitely. This decision has only one purpose: to protect people,” he added.
The business was set on fire on January 29 by two men who first surrounded the premises and minutes later threw Molotov cocktails at it, before fleeing on a motorcycle.
Days after the attack, the State Attorney General’s Office revealed that the alleged crime of extortion was the main line of investigation.
The state of Veracruz, especially the southern region, which Governor Rocío Nahle promised during her campaign would “do very well,” has been plagued by massacres, murders, kidnappings, and extortion.
Source: latinus.us
