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By Jerry Jones and Oscar Almeida
A gay couple vacationing for their anniversary in Puerto Vallarta say they are victims of police abuse, false detention, police beating and police bribery.
Dr. Juan Manuel Lopez and Christopher Duifhuis Rivera are from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and have been married for eight years. They decided to celebrate that eight-year-anniversary in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, and on the night of July, 18, 2024, enjoyed an evening out at dinner. They returned to Zona Romantica and were walking back to their hotel when they were approached by police officers.
“The police abuse happened at one in the morning on Friday, July 19th,” Dr. Lopez told Out & About PV. “In front of Starbucks on Basilio Badillo. We don’t know their names because they never identified themselves. They falsely accused us of using drugs in public. Without saying a word, they arrested us and took us to the police station without evidence or witnesses.”
Lopez said despite repeated requests for a toxicology profile to prove their innocence, those requests were ignored. He said at the police station, they were required to pay a cash fine to be released, which he said they refused on principle. And that led to their detention.
“During our detention, we were insulted, humiliated and beaten, in addition to being unjustifiably detained for one night. We felt vulnerable and feared for our lives,” he said. “We want this type of abuse not to go unpunished and for the authorities to take action on the matter. We call on the community and authorities to take serious action against these acts of corruption and police violence.”
They ended up paying $4,142 pesos to be released, and promptly went to Hospital La Joya for treatment and documentation of their injuries from the beatings and for a toxicology report to prove they had not been using drugs. They have also filed reports with the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, Internal Affairs of the Directorate of Citizen Security of the Municipality and in Human Rights.
Don Pickins, president of the of the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center, spoke with the couple and said that it’s always a concern when there is a change in political administrations (a new mayor will soon take office) and during low season. He’s offered some advice for visitors.
“PLEASE TAKE AN UBER home when leaving gay venues late at night. Walking in the empty streets after midnight is a bad idea even if it is usually safe,” he said.
He added to call 911.
“It’s ironic but if you are harassed by the police but call 911,” he said. “This registers the incident with the central dispatch so police involved can be traced. Take photos and videos – you are permitted to do so by Mexican law.”
Lopez said he and his husband were meeting with leaders from the community center as well as the Movement for Equality in Mexico to help bring this issue to the attention of the proper authorities.
“Give us a chance to address this with city officials. Meanwhile be warned we are aware of a few bad, homophobic cops on the street looking to supplement their incomes off our backs,” Pickens said.
“Rest assured we will confront city authorities and with the help of others in our community we will not let this rest,” Pickens added. “Thank you Víctor Manuel Espíndola Villegas who will take it to the Police Chief next week. And to attorney Jorge Valencia for legal services.”
As of press time Pickens said the Police and Mayor’s office have committed to addressing the issue and are meeting with himself, Almar hotel owner Vidal Mesa, Victor Espandola from Movii and Pedro López from the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center to quickly address the issue effectively, and to remove the affected officers from patrol immediately.
Víctor Manuel Espíndola Villegas, with Movement for Equality in Mexico (MOVii), said the situation “is unfortunately not an isolated case. We have received reports from other tourists and residents, including young people and members of the LGBTIQ+ community, who have been victims of similar abuses.”
MOVii is asking the authorities of Puerto Vallarta and the corresponding institutions to:
1. Investigate these events promptly.
2. Take the necessary measures to guarantee the safety and respect for the human rights of all citizens and visitors.
3. Implement actions to prevent future police abuse and corruption.
On his part Lopez and his husband said that perhaps it was fortunate that it happened to them – people who do not know how to stay silent.
“Unfortunately, it happens to many people, and since they are tourists, they say it’s better to stay silent, not get into trouble, pay the fine or the bribe, and get out of trouble,” he said. “And we are honest. Yesterday, we spent the whole day filing complaints and lawsuits because there are different agencies where you can file a complaint or a lawsuit. We want these people to be punished.”
A video from Facebook where the couple talk about the incident (in Spanish):
A copy of a page from the complaint report filed against the officers.
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
