(From Montevideo, Uruguay) – Two groups of young people were convened through social networks to fight outside New Shopping Center, one of the large shopping centers in Montevideo. The Police saw the calls that were made on Instagram stories and decided to be alert to this situation. On Sunday, at 3:30 p.m. – the announced time – a security operation was reinforced to dismantle this massive confrontation that was called.
In the images that circulated on social networks you can see that there are groups of teenagers running, police vehicles, a helicopter and several arrests. In some of the videos it is also observed that some of the fights were carried out by women.
After the operation, 20 teenagers and an adult were arrested by the Police and testify this Monday before the Prosecutor’s Office.
The Ministry of the Interior reported that the street fight was attended by hundreds of young people, who blocked traffic. Police He appealed to disperse with a fire hydrant truck and the sending of several police vehicles.
After the police operation, the Minister of the Interior, Nicolas Martinellicalled for responsibility on social network X. “We are not going to allow these types of violent actions that threaten people’s safety. The police work in the prevention and repression of this massive concentration prevented events from occurring that we were all going to regret.“wrote the official.
Martinelli indicated that he contacted the Court prosecutor, Mónica Ferrero, to make himself available. “We agree that Exemplary measures must be taken so that these events are not repeated.“said the minister. “We also appeal to the responsibility of parents, not only so that they are alert and turn to the Police when they detect any type of violent initiative, but also so that they are co-responsible for the actions of their children,” he concluded.
The Deputy Minister of the Interior, Pablo Abdala, defined the Police intervention as “timely and effective” because it allowed order to be restored and avoid “damages and greater evils.” “The episode should motivate concern and call for everyone to reflect. From the State and society but, very especially, from parents and references,” he wrote.
One of the gangs that fought is known as El Chepe. Joel C., one of its members, spoke in the last few hours and said that they usually encourage these types of fights.
In the video, broadcast by journalist Diego Martini on X, the interviewer asked him if he has “a little band that fights with another bandit and they make a show at the door of the shopping malls”. The band leader answered yes. He also assured that they are usually recorded in other massive places, such as Parque Rodó in Montevideo.
Asked about the benefits obtained from these fights, Joel said: “Zara visors, champions, jackets.”
Joel identified Dante as one of the young people attacked and said that They hit him “because he is smart.” “Those from Cerrito are agile”, he said, referring to a neighborhood in Montevideo. Joel said that in “the Chepe gang” they are “from all over the place.”
“We are going to beat them to death. We’re going to give them a gunshot”Joel warned. The interviewer tells him that he is of legal age and that the others are minors. “What do I care,” he replied.
The 20 minors and the adult who are detained will testify this Monday before the Adolescent Prosecutor Mirna Busich. The official declared The Observer that the crimes for which adolescents are investigated are reserved because they are minors. The oldest detainee, meanwhile, will testify before Flagrancia prosecutor Patricia Rodríguez.
The Ministry of the Interior also reported that, in addition to the call in Montevideo, there was another similar initiative in Maldonado. The Police deactivated it and there they seized a knife and another toy weapon.
