Background on Key Figures and Relevance
The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) in Mexico has issued Recommendation 195VG/2025, directing it to the Mexican Army (Sedena) and the Zacatecas State Security Police (SSP Zacatecas). This recommendation stems from an incident that occurred on October 12, 2020, in Nueva Alianza, Calera municipality, Zacatecas. Fourteen individuals lost their lives during this operation.
Official Narrative vs. CNDH Investigation
According to the official narrative, the 14 deceased individuals were armed and had previously attacked state police officers, prompting the intervention of the Mexican Army. However, the CNDH investigation uncovered inconsistencies between authorities’ reports and gathered evidence.
Forensic Analysis by CNDH
CNDH experts conducted technical opinions in criminalistics and forensic medicine, revealing that some victims were beaten or executed after being subdued. Others received gunshot wounds from the back, indicating they did not die during an exchange of fire.
Violation of Human Rights
The CNDH concluded that the actions of military and police elements did not adhere to the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality. This resulted in severe violations of the victims’ rights to life and personal integrity.
“The circumstances surrounding the use of lethal force lacked truthfulness,” determined the CNDH, also establishing institutional and individual responsibility for at least ten State Preventive Police officers and five Mexican Army members.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue addressed by the CNDH recommendation? The CNDH criticizes the Mexican Army and Zacatecas State Security Police for 14 deaths resulting from the alleged illegal use of lethal force during an operation in Nueva Alianza, Calera.
- What discrepancies did the CNDH investigation uncover? The investigation found inconsistencies between official reports and evidence, revealing that some victims were beaten or executed after being subdued, and others received gunshot wounds from the back.
- What principles of conduct were violated? The CNDH concluded that the actions did not follow the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality, leading to severe violations of victims’ rights to life and personal integrity.
- Who is held responsible by the CNDH? The CNDH established institutional and individual responsibility for at least ten State Preventive Police officers and five Mexican Army members.
