[NYTr] Human Rights Watch Demands Mexico Probe into Oaxaca Repression
 
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:18:19 -0500 (CDT)


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AP - Jul 24, 2007

Human Rights Watch Demands Mexico Probe

By Julie Watson
The Associated Press

Mexico City - A major international human rights group on Tuesday 
urged Oaxaca state officials to thoroughly investigate allegations 
police used excessive force to quell a violent anti-government 
protest last week.

Demonstrators demanding the state governor resign clashed with police 
July 16 during a march toward the venue of an international folk 
festival in Oaxaca city. It was the worst outbreak of violence in the 
troubled Mexican city since November.

The Televisa network showed images of police and protesters hurling 
rocks and officers kicking and clubbing some of those who were 
detained.

The local newspaper Noticias published a string of photos it said 
showed a teacher being arrested while unharmed, then being beaten by 
officers. The final shot showed him on a respirator in critical 
condition at a hospital.

About 40 people were arrested.

New York-based Human Rights Watch said in a news release Tuesday that 
it received credible reports that police made arbitrary arrests, 
pulling people from passing cars and buses and beating those in 
custody, including some so severely they needed to be hospitalized.

"If Governor Ulises Ruiz is committed to law and order in his state, 
he should ensure that alleged brutality by the police is thoroughly 
investigated and that those responsible are prosecuted," said Jose 
Miguel Vivanco, Americas director of Human Rights Watch.

Demonstrators have periodically held protests to demand the 
resignation of Ruiz, whom they accuse of using excessive force 
against opponents of his administration.

The picturesque colonial city was paralyzed by political upheaval for 
five months in 2006, when demonstrators seized control of the 
downtown and prevented the Guelaguetza festival from being held.

The weeklong event went on this year, drawing thousands of tourists 
from around the globe to the state, one of Mexico's top vacation 
spots.

Amnesty International Secretary General Irene Khan plans to meet with 
Ruiz and human rights groups in Oaxaca on July 31 to discuss "the 
need to investigate abuses committed in the ongoing crisis."
       
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