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Violence Plummets as Mexican Army Polices Juárez

But human rights violations said to be rampant

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 21, 2009 8:49 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Since Mexico’s army took over for police in the drug haven of Ciudad Juárez, killings have dropped: In 2009’s first two months, there were 434 drug-related murders. In March, 5,000 troops arrived—and murders plummeted to 51, the Washington Post reports. With 10,000 soldiers now on the streets, “it’s the safest city in Mexico,” said a former military man who now runs a police station.

But some say the price of the relative peace has been human rights. Many detainees say the army held them for days instead of immediately handing them to local officials—and most say they were beaten. “The army has turned Juárez into an occupied city in which all citizens are presumed to be drug traffickers,” said the state human-rights commissioner.

A couple walks past a soldier on patrol in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on Sunday.
A couple walks past a soldier on patrol in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on Sunday.   (AP Photo)
Alleged gang members are detained by soldiers, unseen, during a routine patrol in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, late Sunday.
Alleged gang members are detained by soldiers, unseen, during a routine patrol in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, late Sunday.   (AP Photo)
Residents play soccer on the outskirts of Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, late Sunday.
Residents play soccer on the outskirts of Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, late Sunday.   (AP Photo)
Musicians wait for customers in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, on Sunday.
Musicians wait for customers in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, on Sunday.   (AP Photo)
A soldier stands guard near a crime scene where a man was murdered in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, April 17, 2009.
A soldier stands guard near a crime scene where a man was murdered in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, April 17, 2009.   (AP Photo)
A soldier checks the trunk of a car during a routine patrol in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, late Sunday.
A soldier checks the trunk of a car during a routine patrol in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, late Sunday.   (AP Photo)
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drugs • human rights • Mexico • police • violence • Mexican army • drug cartel • Ciudad Juarez

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