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Protests turned violent after a union leader accused of money laundering was arrested, with his supporters claiming the arrest is politically motivated. Ruben Nunez, the teachers' union leader (National Co-ordination of Education Workers) is accused of siphoning off money illegally raised from union members in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. Mr Nunez's supporters claim that the union leader is, in fact, innocent and have set up roadblocks around Oaxaca while they demand his release.

EURONEWS Teachers in Mexico have clashed with police after their union leader was arrested

CNTE have described Mr Nunez as a "political prisoner" and "hostage of the federal government". The union has called for protests to also take place in Mexico city throughout the week. According to deputy attorney general Gilberto Higuera, Mr Nunez was behind a deal that saw companies supplying the teacher's union to illegally charge 3.5% commission on sales. He reported that between 2013 and 2015, more than 24 million Pesos (£905,000) was raised and used for personal use and funding demonstrations.