Mexico: A complete review of unfair trials needed after indigenous teacher pardoned
Mexico: A complete review of unfair trials needed after indigenous teacher pardoned
30 October 2013
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Alberto Patishtán, an indigenous teacher from Mexico, was imprisoned for 13 years for a crime he didn't commit.
© MARTA MOLINA/AFP/Getty Images
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The Mexican President’s decision to pardon indigenous teacher Alberto Patishtán who was imprisoned for more than a decade following an unfair trial is a long overdue recognition of the injustice done to him, but it should spur a complete review of countless unfair trial cases, Amnesty International said today.
“This is an innocent man who has been in prison for 13 years. The Presidential pardon is a big relief for Alberto Patishtán and his family, but it falls short of delivering truth, justice and reparation. Those responsible for his unfair trial and imprisonment should be held to account,” said Javier Zúñiga, special advisor at Amnesty International.
“Mexico’s prisons are populated by countless people like Patishtán. His liberation should be only the first step towards a total review of those cases and the adoption of measures that put a halt to discrimination and inequality in the access to justice.”
The presidential pardon is the result of years of campaigning by Alberto Patishtán, his lawyers and supportive non-governmental organizations.
More:
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/mexico-complete-review-unfair-trials-needed-after-indigenous-teacher-pardoned-2013-10-30
