This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-30127458

The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Mexico's missing students: Mass protests due Mexico missing students: Capital braced for mass protests
(about 9 hours later)
Mass protests are expected in Mexico for a group of 43 students who disappeared in September. Relatives of 43 missing Mexican students, whom the authorities say were murdered by a drugs gang, have arrived in the capital ahead of mass protests.
Caravans containing relatives of the missing are due to converge on Mexico City. They have been travelling around the country rallying support. Convoys carrying the families arrived in Mexico City on Thursday after touring the country to rally support.
The Mexican authorities say local police handed the students to a drug gang who then murdered them.The Mexican authorities say local police handed the students to a drug gang who then murdered them.
But some families of the missing are unconvinced by this explanation and still hope they will be found alive.But some families of the missing are unconvinced by this explanation and still hope they will be found alive.
Thousands of people are expected to take part in the march in the capital. There are also protests planned in other parts of Mexico and abroad. Francisco Lagro, father of 19-year-old Magdaleno, one of those missing, has been travelling on one of the caravans.
"It's been almost two months without knowing where they are. We don't know anything and we're desperate," he said.
"What are they doing? In what conditions? Do they get any water or food? Are they tied up? We have so many questions."
President's test
Thousands of people are expected to take part in the march in the capital, which starts at 17:00 local time (23:00 GMT). Protests are also under way in other parts of Mexico and abroad.
Many shops and businesses were reportedly closed on Thursday ahead of the demonstrations.
Demonstrators have also called for a nationwide strike.
In one of the first rallies of the day, a small group of protesters at Mexico City's airport was dispersed by police.
The abduction has galvanised opposition to rampant political corruption and violence, says the BBC's Wyre Davies in Mexico City.The abduction has galvanised opposition to rampant political corruption and violence, says the BBC's Wyre Davies in Mexico City.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has accused some of the protestors of trying to "destabilise" the state.Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has accused some of the protestors of trying to "destabilise" the state.
Analysts say it is the biggest challenge he has faced in his two years of office.
The students, all trainee teachers, went missing after attending a protest in Iguala, Guerrero State.The students, all trainee teachers, went missing after attending a protest in Iguala, Guerrero State.
Forensic tests are being carried out on bodies found in mass graves in the state.Forensic tests are being carried out on bodies found in mass graves in the state.
More than 100,000 people have been killed and 27,000 have disappeared in Mexico in the last decade.More than 100,000 people have been killed and 27,000 have disappeared in Mexico in the last decade.