Peasants in Mexico agitate at 2 embassies

February 20, 1980

Peasants demanding an end to what they called "government repression" occupied parts of the Danish and Belgian Embassies in Mexico City in apparently coordinated acts. Sixteen persons, including the two ambassadors, were held.

Eighteen sandal-shod adults and one boy tried peacefully Monday to take over the main office at the Danish Embassy, but embassy staff, tipped off by reporters, were able to close off the main office and limit the occupation to the reception room.Spokesmen for the peasants said they were members of the National Popular Democratic Front.

The Belgian Embassy was seized by another group of 10 peasants belonging to the National Committee to Defend Political Prisoners, Mexico's most active human rights group.