Mexico City: A classmate set a Mexican schoolboy on fire for speaking in traditional tribal language. 14-year-old Juan Zamorano was seriously burned.
The incident took place in the state of Queretaro, Mexico.
The incident started when two classmates poured alcohol on Juan’s seat. Unknowingly, Juan’s trousers on the seat got wet and the boy questioned this. Following this, Juan was set on fire by his classmates. The severely burned student is being treated in the hospital.
According to the family lawyer, the child has been abused by the accused several times as he is a member of the Otomi clan, a traditional tribal community. A complaint has also been lodged with the school authorities against the accused in the incident.
Mexico’s population of about 350,000 has more than 12 traditional tribes. Otomi is one of them. Juan’s mother tongue is the Otomi language. But family members said Juan did not like to speak Otomi because of the insults that come with speaking it. Relatives also alleged that even the teacher used racial abuse against Juan.
The Queretaro Prosecutor has ordered an investigation into the incident. Officials also informed that the accused will be given appropriate punishment.