In a community in the municipality of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, in the Highlands of Chiapas, community authorities reported that the sale of alcohol has led to several fights among the residents. Recently, residents decided to expel a man accused of selling alcoholic beverages without authorization.
According to community authorities, the town follows traditional customs and practices, so the man in question had to leave his home on Monday night and seek refuge outside the town.
Juan Román Hernández, a rural agent from the community of Zacualpa, in the municipality of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, reported by telephone that, in accordance with traditional customs and following an agreement reached by more than 100 residents, it was decided on Monday night that Rogelio “N” would be expelled from the community.
According to the rural agent, the man had been selling alcoholic beverages from his home for several months, which allegedly led to conflicts and fights among residents, including injuries. He indicated that the case had already been reported to local authorities and the Attorney General’s Office.
“Last night we held a meeting with the residents of the Zacualpa community. The decision was made that Rogelio must leave the community; in other words, he was expelled. He had been warned for a long time to stop selling alcoholic beverages, as it had caused problems among the population. Fights have broken out on several occasions among those who consume alcohol at his home. Just last Sunday, another fight broke out among those who were drinking. Afterward, he fled and later appeared in the community claiming he knew nothing about the fight, that he supposedly wasn’t at his house, but we know that’s false. That’s why the people decided to expel him from the community. He left the town yesterday, Monday,” stated Juan Román Hernández.
Finally, the community members indicated that they will not allow Rogelio to return, as he had been warned several months ago about the prohibition on selling alcohol in the town. “He ignored the community authorities’ warnings,” they stated.
As of Tuesday morning, local authorities had not issued a statement on the matter. However, it is expected that they will be able to meet with community leaders in the coming days to find a solution to the ongoing conflict in the town.
Source: oem
