Oaxaca protests leader arrested in Mexico City

Mexican police arrested the symbolic leader of a six-month-long protest movement that took over southern Oaxaca city, hours after he gave a news conference saying he had come to the capital to start talks with the government.

Flavio Sosa, whose heavy-set, bearded presence became an emblem of the leftist People’s Assembly of Oaxaca, was arrested late last night in Mexico City on charges of kidnapping, robbery and causing damages and injuries, federal prosecutors said in a press statement.

The allegations were apparently related to the barricades, vandalism and irregular detentions carried out by some protesters.

“Sosa…is known for his use of violence, damaging private property and public byways and also burning vehicles and buildings in Oaxaca City,” prosecutors said.

Sosa was taken to a maximum-security prison just west of Mexico City for arraignment.

The facility holds some of the nation’s most dangerous prisoners. While Sosa is a member of a larger leadership council, he appeared to be largely in control of the protest movement.