A report by the MacArthur-supported Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez Human Rights Center (Center Prodh) documents how the Mexican military had orders to “take out criminals” in Tlatlaya, Mexico when soldiers killed 22 people on June 30, 2014. According to official accounts, the soldiers were patrolling the area when they came under attack by alleged kidnappers, causing a shootout that left 22 dead. However, forensic analysis shows many of the victims were executed, corroborating eyewitness testimony. The report sheds light on a systemic practice by which security forces resort to illegal use of force against civilians under the auspices of fighting organized crime. The report also points to the need to broaden the investigation to identify the military chain of command and identify those responsible.
