Mexico in 2011 – Estimated 12,000 Drug-Related Murders

Mexico in 2011 – Estimated 12,000 Drug-Related Murders

By Brittney Hodnik
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

MEXICO CITY, Mexico – The numbers are in for the calendar year in Mexico.  Thousands of killings and kidnappings show no sign of improvement from previous years.  President Felipe Calderon took office in 2006 and vowed to crack down on crime and drug related violence.  Things actually got worse from 2010 to 2011, and Calderon only has one more year of presidency.

Mexico violence increased in 2011 from the previous year, amid Calderon's expectations of reform. (Image Courtesy of the Latin American Herald Tribune)

Calderon began his war against drug cartels nearly six years ago and things have progressively gotten worse.  In 2011, approximately 12,000 people died in drug related violence alone, according to the Associated Foreign Press (AFP).  These numbers are not official government numbers and vary among multiple sources.  Over Calderon’s presidency, about 50,000 have died from drug related violence altogether.  This year’s number is up 6.3 percent from 2010.

Not only has the amount of killings increased, but the brutality has worsened as well.  Mexico has seen almost 600 beheadings and more than 1,000 cases of torture, according to AFP.  Bodies are often dropped on the side of the road or other public places.

On top of that, the Latin American Herald Tribune reports that 49 kidnappings per day occurred in Mexico in 2011.  This too is a significant increase from the previous year’s numbers, up about 32%.  The Tribune reports that there were 17,889 kidnappings in 2011 alone.

These numbers do not even reflect “express kidnappings,” or those victims who are only held for a few hours.  According to the Federal Police, about one third of those kidnappers arrested are connected to drug cartels, reports the Latin American Herald Tribune.

Among the deaths and kidnappings, CNN reported on 2 January that Mexican police in Ciudad Juarez tortured five people to force confessions that they killed an officer and participated in a car bomb attack.  Mexico’s Human Rights Commission describes the incident as an “abuse of power” says CNN and believes the five wronged individuals should receive reparations from police. 

The Washington Post reports that six federal officers and a doctor are under investigation.  The five victims are currently undergoing psychological and physical treatment after being severely beaten.  Police have dropped the accusations but the men remain in jail on drugs and weapons charges, reports the Washington Post.

Overall, it seems Mexico has seen increases in every area of crime and violence.  The police are often corrupt and tied to drug cartels.  Men, women, and children are all targets of violence.  President Calderon has one year left in office to lower these terrible numbers.

For more information, please visit:

Associated Foreign Press — Mexico Drug Violence Killed 12,000 in 2011: Reports — 2 Jan. 2012

CNN — Mexican Police Tortured 5 Suspects, Human Rights Commission Says — 2 Jan. 2012

Latin American Herald Tribune — 49 Kidnappings Per Day Occurred in Mexico in 2011 — 2 Jan. 2012

The Washington Post — Rights Report: Mexican Feds Tortured 5 Men Detained in Killings of 2 Agents, Juarez Car Bomb — 1 Jan. 2011

 

Forest Fires Rage in Chile; 1 Dead and Israeli Tourist Accused of Arson

by Emilee Gaebler
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

SANTIAGO, Chile – Dozens of forest fires currently rage throughout the southern Magallanese, Maule and Bio Bio regions.  Over 500 firefighters have been deployed in an attempt to control the fires that started on December 31. 

Firefighters battle the flames in Torres del Paine Park. (Photo courtesy of CTV News)

In the Bio Bio region, a 75 year-old man was killed when he ignored evacuation requests.  Over 40 homes have now been destroyed and roughly 500 people have been forced to evacuate the area.

Empresas Copec SA, the largest publicly traded Chilean company also suffered losses.  A plywood-producing mill in the Bio Bio region was destroyed in the fire.  Copec successfully evacuated 250 employees from the Nueva Aldea plant well before the fire hit it.

Due to the destruction caused by the fire, the public shares for the company fell 1.8% according to the Washington Post Business reports.  The company released a statement that estimated close to 9,880 acres of company land were destroyed.

Throughout Chile, 48 separate fires existed yesterday and only 20 of them are under control.  Early on Monday of this week the 500 evacuees were forced to move a second time as the flames advanced.

“We are facing an extremely vulnerable situation.  Three regions are under red alert. In addition we have eight regions with different types of fire alerts. This undoubtedly puts enormous pressure on resources,” stated President Sebastian Piñera.

Helicopters and planes also were deployed to the area but were unable to be used in fighting the fires due to the high winds, which are fanning the flames.  Solely those workers on the ground have fought the battle at this point.

The firefighters say that they have controlled four of the six big fires that have spread throughout the Torres del Paine National Park, which is located further south in the Patagonia region.

Thousands of tourists, currently vacationing in the Patagonia area, were banned from visiting the world-famous park; causing millions of dollars to be lost by the tourism industry.  President Piñera hopes to reopen portions of the park by the middle of this week.  He reports that currently 32,000 acres have been destroyed, which is close to 7% of the total park.

An Israeli tourist, 23 year- old Rotem Singer, was detained this weekend on charges of arson.  Police claim that he is suspected of negligently starting the fire in the Torres del Paine Park.  Friends of Singer say that he lit a toilet paper roll on fire and did not properly extinguish it.

Family members of Singer’s, back in Israel, are outraged over the accusations being made.  They claim that Chile is simply looking for a scapegoat to blame the fires on.  The Chilean prosecutor on the case says that Singer acknowledged his role in starting the fire.

If convicted, Singer faces two months in jail and a fine of $300 (US).  Environmental groups roundly criticized the government for what they viewed as a “slow response.”  President Piñera, in response, has proposed enhanced penalties for those responsible for starting fires, regardless of their actions being negligent or planned.

 

For more information, please see;

CNN – Deadly Chile Forest Fires Spread – 2 Jan 2012

CTV – Chile Battles 3 Massive Wildfires; 1 Killed – 2 Jan 2012

Washington Post Business – Copec Falls Most in Four Weeks as Chile Fire Destroys Plant – 2 Jan 2012

BBC – Israeli Tourist Family Defends Chile Fire Suspect – 1 Jan 2012

Nigeria Declares State of Emergency in Four States Following Christmas Day Attacks

By Zach Waksman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

ABUJA, Nigeria – President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria declared a state of emergency in 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs) located in the Borno, Yobe, Plateau, and Niger states on Saturday.  The announcement comes less than a week after a series of Christmas Day bombings by the radical Islamist sect Boko Haram rocked the country and killed at least 42 people.

President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Nigeria on Saturday in the wake of several Christmas Day bombings. (Photo courtesy of the Times of Nigeria)

The recent round of attacks by Boko Haram was a break from its previous focus government and military targets.  This time, the organization, who took credit for the bombings, destroyed several churches, including one in a suburb of Abuja, the capital, where at least 25 worshipers died.  The campaign is considered to be an effort to exploit long-lasting strife between Christians and Muslims.  Though Nigeria has an approximately even split between the two religions, it is not a homogeneous population, with a largely Muslim north and a heavily Christian south.  Boko Haram, whose name roughly translates as “Western education forbidden,” seeks to impose strict Islamic law throughout the country.

“This is a sign that they’ve decided to try to ignite the Muslim-Christian fault line,” said Darren Kew, a Nigeria expert at the University of Massachusetts-Boston.  “They are trying to expand from their roots,” he said, adding that until now, the group had “largely avoided antagonizing the Christians.  This is a strategic choice on their part to broaden their offensive.”

In a nationally televised address, President Jonathan announced that Nigeria would be closing its borders with Chad, Cameroon, and Niger in order to control activities outside the country.  He also said that he instructed the Chief of Defence Staff to set up a counterterrorism unit as part of his promise to defeat Boko Haram, which he declared to have “grown cancerous” and therefore needed be removed from Nigeria.

“We will crush the terrorists,” Jonathan said.  “If there are institutions…which are harbouring terrorists, we will deal with them.”

The announcement has received mixed reactions within the country.  He received praise from several groups for showing initiative and finally taking a necessary step.  Those organizations, along with leaders in the four states the declaration affects, have pledged to support him in his new efforts, despite acknowledging that success would not be easy.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) President Alhaji Yerimma Shetima said that “Jonathan did well as the number one citizen, and must stand his ground on the issue.  The president has our support and should continue to declare emergencies in any part of the country where the nation’s security is threatened, until terrorism is uprooted from Nigeria.”

Others have not been so charitable.  The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) said that it would accept “whatever reasonable measures” were taken to protect the country and prevent needless loss of life.  At the same time, it expressed concern with whether any action would be of great help, saying that “a State of Emergency can only address the symptoms rather than the root causes of the current security crisis facing the nation.”

House Deputy Minority Leader Suleiman Kawu Sumaila went even further.  He considered the developing crisis proof that Jonathan was unfit to lead Nigeria.  But Sumaila did not consider calling for the President’s removal from office.

“We are waiting for him to furnish us with the details and content or the way the emergency will be shaped,” Sumaila said.  “But, we will support everything possible to bring an end to this national tragedy.”

Jonathan’s declaration reached out all leaders, political and civilian, who had been working to maintain peace following attacks.  He extended their efforts to his own vow to defeat Boko Haram.

“Terrorism is a war against all of us.  I call on all Nigerians to join hands with government to fight these terrorists,” he said.

For more information, please see:

Guardian — Emergency Rule in Four States Divides Citizens — 02 January 2012

Nigerian Tribune — Emergency Rule: Jonathan Receives Knocks, Kudos — 02 January 2012

BBC — Boko Haram Attacks Prompt Nigeria State of Emergency — 01 January 2012

Nigerian Tribune — Boko Haram: Jonathan Declares State of Emergency in 15 LGAs; Closes State Borders — 01 January 2012

Times of Nigeria — Jonathan Declares State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe, Plateau, and Niger — 31 December 2011

New York Times — Nigerian Group Escalates Violence with Church Attacks — 25 December 2011

Yemeni Protesters Demand Trial of Saleh

By Tyler Yates
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

SANA’A, Yemen — Protesters demonstrating outside of the Yemeni capital of Sana’a are demanding that outgoing president Ali Abdullah Saleh, as well as many of his compatriots, face trial for the killings of hundreds of protesters in what has so far been a 10-month uprising.

Yemeni protesters with a sign that reads "You will stand trial!" (Photo courtesy of al-Jazeera).

Similar protests are being held across Yemen in at least 18 other cities. Saleh supporters held a counter-rally near the presidential palace on Monday.

Saleh still holds the position of president, but he transferred his powers to his vice-President last month.  In turn for stepping down, Saleh signed a deal granting him immunity from prosecution once polls are held in February.

Yemeni protesters have objected to this deal, which was brokered by Gulf Arab nations with the support of the United States.  They feel that the deal does not allow for any true broad political changes, or provide any retribution against the crimes committed by Saleh and his loyalists.

“Our message to Ali Abdullah Saleh is there’s no guarantee or immunity for him,” said activist Mohammad Asal.

The government has issued a statement to the Yemeni people asking them to be patient as there will be some turnover time before the people’s demands can be considered by the newly appointed cabinet members.

Part of the deal with Saleh divides up ministerial positions in the government equally between members of Saleh’s government and the opposition.  The presence of any members of the old government is what has many protesters again taking to the streets.

Some members of the opposition still suspect that Saleh is going to sabotage his political transition.  Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, a defected general, who has quickly become one of Saleh’s arch-rivals, notes the “continued bolstering of military units loyal to Saleh,” and the “refusal” by pro-Saleh troops to withdraw from the streets of Sana’a despite orders from the government as evidence of this.

In a statement published by Yemen’s official news agency, Saleh said he would “not allow the collapse of state institutions,” in response to the increased number of protests aimed at unseating his loyalists.

Saleh currently is attempting to travel to the United States for medical treatment on wounds suffered during an assassination attempt in June.  This comes after a request to visit the United States to discuss the upcoming Yemeni election was denied

The United States is evaluating Saleh’s request for a visa.  Washington is trying to ensure that Saleh is just coming to the country for medical aid and has no plans to stay.

Hundreds of people have been killed in Yemen since February.

For more information, please see:

Courier Mail — Yemen leader “plans to keep power” — 03 Jan. 2012

USA Today — Yemenis rally, demand president face trial — 01 Jan. 2012

Al Jazeera — Yemeni protesters demand trial of president — 31 Dec. 2011

AFP — Yemenis rally for Saleh trial despite shootings — 25 Dec. 2011

 

Sexual Assault and Abuse Increase Nearly 60 Percent at Nation’s Leading Military Academies

by Ryan T. Elliott
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America/Oceania

ANNAPOLIS, United States — Sexual assault is one of the most abhorrent violations to human rights, and according to a report released earlier this week by the Pentagon, the number of reported sexual assaults at the nation’s leading military academies rose nearly 60 percent from the previous year.

Pentagon Report Indicates Sharp Increase in Sexual Assaults at Military Academies

The report entitled “Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies” was produced by the Defense Department as part of the 2007 John Warner National Defense Authorization Act. According to CNN, site visits were conducted at the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. The site visits looked at policies, training and procedures, and focus groups were held with cadets and midshipmen.

The major finding of the report conducted by the Department of Defense was that there were 65 reports of sexual assault involving cadets and midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. This number of reported sexual assaults is a marked increase from 41 reports in the previous year. The Air Force Academy saw the largest jump in reports of sexual assault with 33 reports in the latest academic year;  an increase from 20 in the previous year. The Naval Academy had 22 reported incidents, compared to 11 the prior year. West Point reported the same number in both years, 10 in each year.

According to the Washington Post, the Pentagon was unable to pinpoint any exact cause for the increase in sexual assaults at the academies. One possible explanation, however, may be the Defense Department’s encouragement for victims to report sexual assault and abuses. While West Point did not return the Washington Post’s call seeking comment, other academy officials told the Washington Post that they believe the increase in reporting indicates a positive step in making cadets and midshipmen feel more comfortable about reporting incidents.

The Service Women’s Action Network, a national human rights organization founded by women veterans, was slightly more critical of the increase in sexual abuse reports among the nation’s leading military academies. Greg Jacob, a policy director at the Service Women’s Action Network, informed the Washington Post that this report underscored the noncompliance on the part of the academies with Pentagon’s policy. In a statement to the Washington Post, Jacob noted that “[e]nding the widespread issue of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the military starts by ending it at the service academies.”
In response to the increased sexual assaults at military academies, the Pentagon adopted two new policies. The policies aim to support victims, and remove sexual assault and harassment from the military, starting with its academies. The first policy permits victims to request a transfer from their unit after they have filed a report alleging sexual harassment or assault. Further, the Pentagon said that service members must receive a response from the unit commander within three days. In the event a victims request for a transfer is denied, then the victim is entitled to review of the request’s denial within three days.

The other policy mandates that the academies hold sexual assault records for 50 years in unrestricted cases, and five years in restricted cases. According to the Washington Post, the Defense Department said this new holding period for records will “ensure victims have extended access to documents related to the sexual assault.” In short, it will provide victims with access to documents related to sexual assault for a longer period of time.

For more information, please see:

Department of Defense–Department of Defense Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies Academic Program Year 2010-2011 — 27 December 2011

Defense Department–DOD Releases Sexual Assault Report, Announces New Policies–27 December 2011

The Washington Post — Pentagon: Reported Sexual Assaults Rise at 3 Main Military Academies in Latest Academic Year–27 December 2011

Businessweek —Pentagon Says Sexual Assault Reports Rose 58% at Service Schools –27 December 2011

CNN–Sexual Assaults Reported on Rise at U.S. Military Academies–27 December 2011

ABC Radio Online —Sexual Assault Reports Rise at Military Academies –27 December 2011

Time–Sexual-Harassment Reports at Military Academies Jump 59%–27 December 2011