Mexico Ends Military Jurisdiction for Crimes Committed Against Civilians Agencia EFE
go to original June 15, 2014

Members of the Mexican Army Special Forces take part in a military parade marking the anniversary of Mexico's independence at the Zocalo Square in Mexico City. (penki)

Mexico's government has published a law in the official gazette that allows civilian trials for soldiers accused of crimes against non-military personnel.

Congress passed the changes to the armed forces' code of justice in late April as part of steps taken by Mexico to comply with a 2009 Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruling.

The law, which took effect Saturday, states that military police will conduct investigations under the direction of civilian prosecutors and be required to offer assistance to victims and protection to witnesses.

They also will be tasked with arresting military suspects and immediately turning them over to civilian prosecutors.

Armed forces members who are accused of crimes against civilians may be held in pre-trial detention in military lockups when military authorities deem it necessary to protect their rights.

Read the rest at Fox News Latino

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