Zapatista Army of National Liberation
The Zapatista Army of National Liberation, often referred to as the Zapatistas, is a far-left political and militant group that controlled a substantial amount of territory in Chiapas, the southernmost state of Mexico.
Subcomandante Marcos surrounded by several commanders of the CCRI
Sign indicating the entrance of Zapatista rebel territory. "You are in Zapatista territory in rebellion. Here the people command and the government obeys."
Subcomandante Marcos of EZLN during the Earth Color March
Subcomandante Marcos in Salamanca, March 2006
Rebel Zapatista Autonomous Municipalities
The Rebel Zapatista Autonomous Municipalities were the basic governmental units utilized until 2023 within the de facto autonomous territories controlled by neo-Zapatista support bases in the Mexican state of Chiapas. They were founded following the Zapatista uprising which took place in 1994 and were part of the wider Chiapas conflict. Despite attempts at negotiation with the Mexican government which resulted in the San Andrés Accords in 1996, the region's autonomy remains unrecognized by that government.
The sign reads (top): "You are in Zapatista rebel territory. Here the people rule and the government obeys." Bottom: "North Zone. Council of Good Government. Trafficking in weapons, planting of drugs, drug use, alcoholic beverages, and illegal sales of wood are strictly prohibited. No to the destruction of nature." Federal Highway 307, Chiapas.
Zapatistas Territory sign in Chiapas, Mexico
