How This Town Got Rid of Crime | AJ+

Summary

In Cherán, Mexico, a town of 20,000 has defied violent crime and political corruption by banning elections, politicians, and police. Since 2011, the community has self-governed with indigenous Purépecha principles, implementing strict rules and a homegrown patrol system. With no murders, kidnappings, or disappearances in seven years, Cherán has become a beacon of success against crime, inspiring other towns to boycott elections and seek similar solutions.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Cherán is a small town in Michoacán, Mexico, where elections are banned due to its unique governance system.
• 🚫 The town has successfully eliminated political corruption and violent crime by expelling politicians, police, and its mayor.
• 🚷 Cherán enforces strict rules against political parties and campaigning within its boundaries, including the removal of party bumper stickers from vehicles.
• 🔍 The town has not experienced a murder, kidnapping, or disappearance in seven years, showcasing its effective crime prevention measures.
• 👮 Minor offenses are addressed through community service, reflecting a community-driven approach to justice.
• 🛃 Access to Cherán is limited and monitored by three entry checkpoints manned by guards with assault rifles and body armor.
• 🌳 The town's transformation began in 2011 when local women initiated a movement against illegal loggers, leading to a community uprising known as 'the chiming'.
• 🏞️ Cherán is governed by its residents, with a system based on indigenous Purépecha roots, emphasizing community involvement and environmental restoration.
• 🔥 Community issues are discussed at block-level bonfires, and representatives, known as K’eris, are elected to bring these concerns to a general assembly.
• 🌱 The town is actively restoring its forest and nurturing tree seedlings in a community garden, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability.
• 📊 Cherán serves as an inspiring example for other Mexican communities, with 32 towns boycotting the presidential elections in 2018 and others seeking to emulate its success.

Q & A

Why is the town of Cherán unique in the context of Mexican elections?

Cherán is unique because it has banned elections within its town limits, a decision made by its residents to combat political corruption and crime.

What is the geographical location of Cherán?

Cherán is located in the northwest portion of the state of Michoacán, Mexico.

How has Cherán managed to avoid violent crime and political corruption?

Cherán's residents have taken matters into their own hands by expelling politicians, police, and the mayor, and by enforcing strict rules against political parties and campaigning.

What measures are in place to ensure no political affiliations are visible in Cherán?

Even motorists entering Cherán are required to remove any party bumper stickers from their vehicles, ensuring no political affiliations are displayed within the town.

What is the town's record regarding serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, or disappearance?

Cherán has not had a murder, kidnapping, or disappearance in seven years, which is a significant achievement considering the state's high crime rates.

How does Cherán deal with minor offenses like theft, drunk driving, and disorderly conduct?

Minor offenses in Cherán are dealt with by imposing community service, which serves as a form of punishment and rehabilitation.

What is the role of the entry checkpoints in Cherán's crime prevention strategy?

The entry checkpoints, manned by guards with assault rifles and body armor, serve as a means to limit access to the town and are part of a homegrown patrol system to protect the town.

Who is Andrés Fabián and what is his role in Cherán?

Andrés Fabián is a member of the homegrown patrol system in Cherán, responsible for protecting the town and ensuring its safety.

What event marked the beginning of Cherán's transformation in 2011?

The transformation began after a group of women in Cherán decided to drive away illegal loggers, an event that set off an uprising known as the chiming.

How is Cherán governed today?

Cherán is governed by its residents, with strict rules and guidelines based on their indigenous Purépecha roots, and issues are discussed at community bonfires and brought to a general assembly by elected representatives.

What environmental initiatives has Cherán undertaken?

Cherán has been slowly restoring the forest and nursing tree seedlings in a community garden, showing a commitment to environmental conservation.

How has Cherán's approach influenced other communities in Mexico?

Cherán's success has inspired other communities across Mexico, with 32 towns boycotting the presidential elections in 2018, and others looking to replicate Cherán's model to combat crime and corruption.