‘The Army is the same’: Prodh Center on possible executions in Nuevo Laredo

The Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez Human Rights Center (Prodh Center) ruled on journalistic investigations that revealed alleged executions carried out by military in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, on May 18.

rated as a matter “extremely serious” and that “must be investigated”, the video released by the newspaper The country and the chain Univisionwhich shows the military detaining five civilians alive, who were finally killed after being intercepted by military forces.

The Prodh Center stated that “This happens when military power is increased without civilian controls.”

He compared what happened with the 2014 Tlatlaya massacre – in which at least 12 civilians were killed by the military – and affirmed that, as in this case, “the facts are only investigated because there is journalistic investigation and civil society work, actors whom the President disqualifies.”

Through your account Twitter, pointed out that the Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) “He is accommodating and only inquires if there is consent from Sedena,” alluding to the Army statement in which it recalls that since there are civilians involved, it is the responsibility of the FGR to open the corresponding investigation file.

“Although it is said otherwise, the Army is the same as before. Its elements commit executions and then plant weapons to cover it up,” he said, referring to the fact that in the video members of the Army are seen altering the scene of the events and placing firearms near civilians after being executed.

The Prodh Center concludes that “In Mexico the Army continues to violate human rights”.

This very morning, the National Commission for Human Rights (CNDH) reported that it initiated an ex officio investigation regarding the events of May 18.

Through a statement, the CNDH assured that possible human rights violations committed by elements of the National Defense Secretariat (SEDENA) against five civilians in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas.

The commission confirmed that it is already in communication with the Sedena and with the FGR, the body responsible for conducting the investigation of the events, to gather the necessary information and document the actions of the military elements on the day of the events in order to determine the existence of serious human rights violations and issue the resolution that corresponds to the law.