Just received: "Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens September 23, 2011 Merida Protest The U.S. Consulate Merida wishes to inform U.S citizens that a protest is planned for Saturday, September 24, 2011 along Paseo de Montejo by 15 groups that have joined together to protest the state government. They are calling the protest the “Cadena de las Glorietas.” Protest organizers have called for persons to gather at all of the traffic circles or “glorietas” on Montejo from Calle 47 downtown, where Paseo de Montejo begins, to the circle near the Siglo XXI Conference Center at 5:30pm. At 7:00 p.m. protesters will join hands to form a human chain running north to south along Montejo. Organizers expect 6,500 persons to participate in the event. Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable. You should avoid them if at all possible. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what the local news media has to say. Additionally the Consulate would like to remind all U.S. citizens the Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. Travelers should avoid political demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by the Mexican authorities. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's travel website, Welcome to Travel.State.Gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Please visit the Safety Issues section for additional safety information. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). You can reach the U.S. Consulate in Merida by dialing our main number. From the United States, dial 011-52-999-942-5700. From within Mexico, dial 999-942-5700. You can also access us on-line via our website at Consulate of the United States Merida, Mexico - Home. This email is UNCLASSIFIED."
