Amnesty International calls for eradication of torture in Mexico

Human rights organization Amnesty International (AI) said that there must be an end to torture in Mexico, a phenomenon on which complaints have increased 600% during the past ten years, with only seven convictions between 2005 and 2013.

"We continue to receive reports of violations of human rights committed by the police and security forces, including arbitrary arrests, torture and forced disappearances, which shows the prevailing impunity that favors a recurrence pattern," expressed Perseo Quiroz, executive director of Amnesty International Mexico.

He added that with the purpose of putting an end to this scourge, AI will held a series of protests and other forms of activism in solidarity to victims and survivors.

In a statement, AI added that Non-Governmental Organizations will perform several actions during the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and to mark eight months after the disappearance of the 43 students from the Raúl Isidro Burgos Teachers Training School in Ayotzinapa, Guerrero.

"On the issue of torture, one of the main problems continues to be the lack of independence of the official forensic medical examinations and to ensure that the independent tests have the same probative value in criminal proceedings," expressed Quiroz.

"Torture will not be eradicated if those who torture do not answer to justice and there is no reparation for the suffering of the victims," he reiterated.

In recent months, Amnesty International Mexico has demanded justice for Adrián Vásquez Lagunes, Yecenia Armenta and Ángel Colón, who were tortured to extract confessions and have false evidence against them.

Adrián and Yecenia still remain in prison, while Angel is still waiting for the reparation of the damage he suffered and the proper investigation for the torture he endured.