At least 120 injured in gen Z protests against corruption in Mexico

At least 120 people were injured as thousands of generation Z protesters took to the streets across Mexico to voice their anger at corruption and the drug-fuelled violence that claims tens of thousands of lives each year.

- Tom Phillips

Saturday's rallies - which took place in Mexico City as well as dozens of urban centres - drew large crowds, with some demonstrators carrying the One Piece pirate flag that has become a global symbol of the youth movement.

"We need more security," said Andres Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant who was among those carrying that banner.

The demonstration in Mexico City's Zócalo plaza, which is home to the offices of Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, began peacefully but slid into violence, with protesters pelting riot police with rocks and officers fighting back with shields, batons and fire extinguishers.

Pablo Vázquez, the capital's security chief, said: "For many hours, this mobilisation proceeded and developed peacefully, until a group of hooded individuals began to commit acts of violence."