Brussels, 23/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 23 October, MEPs strongly condemned the forced disappearances, including those of 43 students, and the criminal acts committed in Iguala, Mexico, and they called on the Mexican authorities to investigate all criminal acts “including the finding of 28 bodies in clandestine graves”. In the joint resolution that they adopted by 495 votes in favour, 86 against and 56 abstentions, the MEPs call on the relevant authorities to take “all necessary steps to act promptly and in a transparent and impartial manner” to identify, arrest and bring to justice the perpetrators of the crimes. The Parliament calls on the Mexican government to take actions at all levels, “which will prevent events like those in Iguala from ever occurring again”. The MEPs also welcome the determination of Mexico's President Peña Nieto to investigate and clarify these events, as well as to put an end to gang-related violence.
The resolution also underlines MEPs' deep concern “at the apparent infiltration of local law enforcement and administrative entities by organised crime”.
Lastly, the Parliament calls on the EU and member states “to step up the support they provide for human rights through programmes and financial and technical resources”. (CG)