Zapatista Army of National Liberation

The Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) is a revolutionary group from Chiapas, Mexico, founded in 1994. It emerged in response to social injustices, including poverty and discrimination faced by indigenous people. The group gained international attention when they launched an armed uprising on January 1, 1994, coinciding with the implementation of NAFTA. Led by Subcomandante Marcos, the Zapatistas advocate for indigenous rights, democracy, and autonomy. They emphasize grassroots organizing, using a unique blend of political activism and cultural resistance, and have since focused on non-violent discourse, seeking social change within Mexico and beyond.