adminPERISCOPE, la piattaforma dedicata alla fotografia d’autore ideata e curata da Claudio Composti, ci dà appuntamento ogni mese su PERIMETRO con una nuova rubrica alla scoperta di progetti di fotografi noti e meno noti. Ogni fotografo è un esploratore, che ci conduce in un intimo viaggio visivo straordinario, attraverso immagini che sono specchio dell’anima o una finestra sul mondo. Insieme celebriamo il potere delle immagini di trasformarci, un’istantanea alla volta.
Questo primo appuntamento è dedicato a Kids with guns di Axel Javier Sulzbacher.
Il Messico, devastato dalla guerra della droga, deve affrontare sfide difficili. Nel Michoacán, lo Stato più pericoloso del Paese, alcuni genitori introducono i loro figli ad attività di tipo militare già all’età della scuola elementare.
Dal 2015, il tasso di omicidi di bambini e adolescenti in Messico è aumentato costantemente, in gran parte a causa del reclutamento sistematico di minori nelle bande criminali. Uno studio pubblicato dalla Rete per i diritti dei bambini in Messico nel settembre 2021 ha rivelato che 250.000 bambini e adolescenti sono a rischio di essere reclutati dai cartelli.
Nella capitale del Michoacán, un gruppo di ex soldati e poliziotti, guidati dall’ex ufficiale della Polizia Nazionale Héctor Flores della Policia Rural, si è riunito per insegnare ai bambini esercizi e procedure militari rigorose, con l’obiettivo di tenerli lontani dalle strade e guidarli verso una vita rispettosa della legge.
Ogni domenica si riuniscono per preparare i bambini a vari compiti. ‘È meglio che imparino con noi e siano preparati al combattimento piuttosto che imparare per strada’, dice il comandante del gruppo, il cui grido di battaglia è ‘Guerrieri aztechi con le tette’: “I guerrieri aztechi con zanne e artigli sono sempre vittoriosi.
Hector Flores, the Commander and founder of the “Aztec Warriors”, strikes a pose with his recruits, their faces adorned in war paint before participating in a parade in Acuitzio del Canje for the annual anniversary of the French-Mexican War. In the background, the National Flag of Mexico waves proudly. The group has a strong nationalistic tendency.
Former policeman, commandant,Hector Alfonso Flores, in his self designed parade uniform. As part of the Policia Rural of the National Police, Hector fought in his homeland, Apatzingang. In the southern regions of the state, Hector fought fiercely against drug cartels. Former friends of his died on both sides of the conflict.
A boy runs during the ranks ceremony in goose step on the stage, the exact movement sequences were rehearsed before meticulously.
The group has earned a great reputation thanks to their doctrines of strict discipline and order, virtues that people in Mexico often believe can only be found in the army.
The drill can be challenging for young new recruits. Lieutenant Bria sternly scolds a new member of the group who failed to execute the task as demanded by his superiors.
The children are taught team spirit, discipline, and strict obedience to their superiors. In one exercise, they wrestle each other in the mud, helping them overcome fear of the environment as part of their training.
Brian and Mannie take charge of teaching the new recruits how to handle pistols, focusing on 9mm and .45 caliber handguns—favorites among cartels for their ease of concealment, power, and simplicity. The group’s motto reinforces their belief: „It’s better they learn responsible handling with us than on the street, but learn they must eventually.“ The training emphasizes discipline and safety, ensuring that the recruits gain the necessary skills in a controlled environment, avoiding reckless use of firearms later on.
Mateo, witrh only 5 years he is the youngest integrenatn of the group. Mexican cartels often recruit children as young as 10 years old. These young recruits, sometimes referred to as „halcones“ (lookouts), are typically tasked with low-risk jobs like gathering intelligence or as messengers. However, over time, many are groomed for more violent roles, such as hitmen or enforcers. Poverty, lack of opportunities, and coercion are key factors leading to child recruitment by cartels, making it a growing concern in Mexico‘s ongoing battle against organized crime.
Surrounding land on the outskirts of the city, Morelia, stretches for several kilometers, making this ideal terrain for the group.
Kevin being made up in camouflage by his superior, second lieutenant Emelie.
Hanna, 10 years old, navigates through a muddy ditch, enduring the constant shouts of her superiors as she simulates rifle movements with a stick.
