Overview
- The episode unfolded on Oct. 13 at the San Martín Texmelucan tianguis, where merchants detained three women they accused of repeated thefts.
- Widely shared videos show the women semi-nude with shaved heads and the word “Rata” written on their backs as onlookers recorded and shouted.
- Municipal police arrived within minutes and transferred the women to the local station to be presented to the Ministerio Público.
- As of Oct. 14, authorities had not confirmed a criminal complaint, and reporting indicated the women could be freed upon payment of an administrative fine.
- State officials note Puebla recorded 20 lynching attempts since June 30 and say anti-lynching protocols are active under laws that prohibit infamy and other punishments without due process.