Thursday, August 7, 2008

Update: Mexico denounces Texas execution

The Mexican government, along with UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon, have denounced the state of Texas' Tuesday execution of Jose Ernesto Medellin, the Mexican national convicted for his involvement in the 1993 gang rape and murder of two teenaged girls.

From a
prepared statement by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Relations yesterday:

"The government of Mexico sent the U. S. Department of State a diplomatic note of protest for this violation of international law, expressing its concern for the precedent that it may create for the rights of Mexican nationals who may be detained in that country...The Ministry of Foreign Relations reiterates that the importance of this case fundamentally stems from the respect to the right to consular access and protection provided by consulates of every state to each of its nationals abroad."

In Mexico, muted outcries followed Medellin's execution, mostly in his hometown of Nuevo Laredo. One Texas news station's coverage of reactions in Mexico City depicted interviewees that suggested many Mexicans are upset by rampant violence in interested by the adoption of the death penalty by Mexico.

For details on the case and it's controversial proceedings, see Erwin C's post earlier this week.

Sources: CNN, All Academic, SCOTUS Blog, Amnesty USA, KHou

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