Orizaba fathers protest judicial custody and visitation processes

Members of the social movement ‘Somos Papás, No Delincuentes de las Altas Montañas’ protested outside judicial facilities in Orizaba, Veracruz, to demand reforms in custody and family coexistence procedures. The group argues that many fathers are being separated from their children based on unproven allegations of psychological or physical violence.

Organizer Octavio Méndez Solano stated that precautionary measures, such as restraining orders, are often implemented before investigations are completed. He noted that when accusations are ultimately proven false, there are frequently no legal consequences for the accusers or the lawyers involved. The movement reports a rapid increase in members, noting approximately 20 new cases in a single week involving men facing similar legal conflicts.

Participants expressed that the primary victims of these legal processes are the minors, who are deprived of contact with a parent. The group also raised concerns regarding the potential manipulation of children to repeat specific testimonies during investigations by psychologists and authorities.