Date: Thu, 27 Oct 1994 15:05:32 -0400 (EDT) From: David Casti Subject: UPDATE: Investigation into Assasination International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission Emergency Response Network MEXICAN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ASSASSINATION OF FIVE GAY MEN STALLED September 1992 action In July 1992 five gay men were assassinated in Mexico City. The murders remain unsolved and Mexico's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has recently released a sharp critique of the official handling of the case alleging that a series of inconsistencies in the investigation constitutes a violation of the human rights of the victims. The murder victims -- Ren'e de la Torre Gonz'alez, Javier Rivero Mel'endez, Francisco Palomera Pimentel, Nicol'as Amerena Lagunes and Francisco Estrada Valle -- were found bound and strangled to death in July of 1992. Francisco Estrada Valle was the founder and director of the non governmental AIDS prevention group, "AVE de Mexico." In response to both domestic and international pressure launched by AIDS activists, the CNDH, a governmental entity, emitted recommendation 102/94 on 31 August 1994. The recommendation is directed to the Attorney General of Mexico City and calls for a renewed and exhaustive investigation into the murders. In condemning official handling of the case, the CNDH's report cites a lack of coordination, unexplained delays, and a failure to interview obvious witnesses or exhaust promising leads such as a serious assault and death threat Francis Estrada Valle received days before he was murdered. The report closes by recommending that administrative sanctions for negligence be applied to the officials currently responsible for the investigation. AIDS activists in Mexico consider it very significant that the CNDH has spoken against the negligence that has hindered the investigation of this case, but the CNDH's recommendations are not binding. Therefore, it is essential that the Attorney General receive individual and group pronouncements urging the fulfillment of the Commission's recommendations. Courteous but firm letters should express the following points: 1. The determined intervention of the Attorney General is necessary to see that the law is respected. Discrimination based on race, gender or sexual orientation must not impede a full investigation as required by law: the murders must be cleared up and the guilty parties punished. 2. The timely completion of the National Human Rights Commission's recommendation 102/94 is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate before national and international public opinion the commitment of the Attorney General's office to the attainment of impartial justice. 3. Impunity for those employees responsible for obstructing the investigation would represent a bad precedent that would undermine harmonious relations between Mexicans and would project a negative image of Mexico to the international community. Such negligence should be adequately sanctioned. Write to: Lic. Ernesto Santillana Santillana Pocurador General de Justicia del Districto Federal Calle Dr. Lavista No.61, 3er. Piso Colonia Doctores, Delegaci'on Cuauht'emoc 06720 M'exico, D.F. MEXICO Fax: +52-5-761-8474 IGLHRC For more information contact us at tel. (415) 255-8660 fax (415) 255-8662 e-mail: iglhrc@igc.apc.org