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Watchdog: Mexican Army's Abuse of Civilians Unchecked

Desperate to fight the cartels, government turns a blind eye to military crimes

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted May 1, 2009 1:46 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The Mexican army, enlisted by President Felipe Calderón in the battle against drug cartels, is abusing civilians with de facto immunity from the government, a watchdog group says. The army was supposed to be a temporary replacement for corrupt or incompetent police forces. But some soldiers, unaccustomed to the nuances of policing, have abused their power, terrorizing civilians and criminals alike, the Economist reports.

Human Rights Watch investigated incidents involving 70 victims—with no ties to cartels—who were beaten, tortured, raped, and killed by the military. Mexico’s human-rights commission is aware of many of the cases, but it is neutered by the administration. The military courts that try soldiers treat their crimes as disciplinary issues, deliver secret verdicts, and, to Human Rights Watch’s knowledge, have convicted no one.

Federal police wearing protective masks guard an armored vehicle carrying a suspected drug-cartel boss Wednesday in Mexico City.
Federal police wearing protective masks guard an armored vehicle carrying a suspected drug-cartel boss Wednesday in Mexico City.   (AP Photo)
Packages containing crystal methamphetamine seized during an anti-drug operation are displayed to the media in Tijuana, Mexico, April 25, 2009.
Packages containing crystal methamphetamine seized during an anti-drug operation are displayed to the media in Tijuana, Mexico, April 25, 2009.   (AP Photo)
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Having military officers commit abuses is seen as the lesser evil. People just want the army to protect them from the narcos. - Raúl Benítez, defense specialist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
selva
May 2, 2009 7:12 AM CDT
Obviously youve forgotten the colonial history of Mexico, and how Spaniards were the one's who committed the indigenous holocaust, and mass destruction of a culture. Glad you are comfortable in your ignorance.
Observer
May 1, 2009 9:54 AM CDT
The Mexican Generals are the Narco-terrorists. And guess what our military backs them too. The pay-offs go to a lot of US government officials and police too. Don't kid yourself. The money's too big. A few rapes and murders are secondary to the money and good times. Check the secret bank accounts of all the sheriffs along the entire 2000 mile border. Corrruption is universal.
metalworldorder
May 1, 2009 9:27 AM CDT
Sure, Mexico's got its fair share of problems, but consider one thing: its neighbor is the US of A. When your neighbor is the strongest, greatest nation in the world, you're bound to have a few problems if you can't provide basic amenities to your own citizens and they flee your country by the truckload. Mexico was just never able to compete with our growth, and they ended up stunted. I think we should do more to help.

60,000 arrested in Mexico's drug war
Washington Post

 
Mexico • Felipe Calderon • murder • civilian casualties • Mexican army • drug cartel • Human Rights Watch • drug dealer

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