Press briefing note on Mexico

Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Cécile Pouilly
Location: Geneva
Date: 29 June 2015
Subject: Mexico

“A year after the killing of 22 people during an operation by military forces, reportedly against a criminal gang, in Tlatlaya, in the State of Mexico, we continue to call for justice and redress for the victims. The Mexican National Human Rights Commission considers that at least 12 of the deaths were extrajudicial executions. Three women who witnessed the incident also allegedly suffered human rights violations, including being arbitrarily detained and tortured.

Although an officer and six soldiers are now awaiting trial, we call upon the Mexican authorities to extend their investigations to include civilian and military authorities who might bear responsibility for the alleged extrajudicial executions and human rights violations committed on 30 June 2014.

As in any case involving alleged violations by security agents of the principles of legality, proportionality and necessity applicable to the use of force, a prompt, thorough, effective, independent and impartial investigation is required. Investigating such cases and bringing those responsible to justice is the best way to guarantee that such violations do not happen again.”

ENDS

For more information and media requests, please contact Cécile Pouilly (+41 22 917 9310 / cpouilly@ohchr.org).

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