Mexico: Investigate All Evidence in Killings of 22 by Soldiers
Mexico: Investigate All Evidence in Killings of 22 by Soldiers
Credible Reports Cast Doubt on Official Account
August 22, 2014
(New York) – Mexico should ensure that its investigation into the killing of 22 civilians by soldiers on June 30, 2014, is impartial and effective, and properly considers evidence of wrongful state action.
During an alleged confrontation, military personnel opened fire on the group, who were inside an empty warehouse in the municipality of Tlatlaya, state of Mexico, killing all of them. One soldier was injured during the incident.
“It’s been two months since soldiers killed 22 civilians in Tlatlaya, and there are more questions than answers about what really took place that day,” said José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch. “A thorough, objective, and independent investigation that examines whether the soldiers acted lawfully, and assesses evidence of state misconduct is needed and required by law.”
A news release about the incident and other official sources said that soldiers were responding to gunfire by the civilians, yet credible reports regarding the forensic evidence at the scene of the shooting suggest that the soldiers used excessive force. The federal Attorney General’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident, an official source told Human Rights Watch on August 18. But government officials have yet to disclose the names of those killed or the status of the investigation.
More:
http://www.hrw.org/news/2014/08/22/mexico-investigate-all-evidence-killings-22-soldiers