Judge's Ruling in Mexico Vigilantes Case Raises Demobilization Legal Issues Marguerite Cawley - InSight Crime
go to original July 16, 2014

Self-defense forces in Aquila (Photo Archive)

In an interview with Noticias MVS, Leonel Rivero - the lawyer of the three vigilantes from Aquila in the southwest state of Michoacan - said the judge ruled they had defended their right to life by carrying weapons intended for the exclusive use of the military. The defendents argued the failure of the state to provide security and combat criminal groups left them with little choice but to break the law to defend themselves.

While the three men continue to be held on kidnapping charges, Rivero has said there is no chance of the arms charges being reactivated.

The men were the alleged leaders of a group of 40 militiamen captured in August 2013, 18 of which have faced charges. Rivero accused Michoacan Security Commissioner Alfredo Castillo of interfering in judicial proceedings in the case by sending state lawyers to coax away the other 15, who Rivero was also supposed to defend, reported Proceso.

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