MEXICO: Raped with impunity - Inés Fernلndez Ortega & Valentina Rosendo Cantْ

Five years on and Inés Fernلndez Ortega and Valentina Rosendo Cantْ are still waiting for justice. The two women, who belong to the Tlapaneca Indigenous community, were
raped by members of the Mexican army in February and March 2002 respectively in the state of Guerrero, Mexico.

Inés Fernلndez Ortega, who speaks little Spanish, was reportedly raped on 22 March 2002. Soldiers entered her home to interrogate her about some meat they claimed had been stolen. When she did not answer their questions, they raped her. Valentina Rosendo Cantْ, then aged 17, was approached on 16 February 2002 by soldiers near her home, who questioned her about the activities of some “hooded men” (a reference to armed opposition groups). When she replied that she did not know any, she was threatened and two of the soldiers raped her.

The Mexican authorities claim that both women have failed to co-operate with the military investigation. However, the fact that both cases remain under military jurisdiction places the
women at serious risk of reprisals. The women are required to go into the barracks to ratify their complaints before the military prosecutor. There, they may face a real risk of intimidation.

The women have shown great courage in speaking out, demanding that their cases be transferred to the civilian authorities. Amnesty International supports their demands as the
military justice system lacks the impartiality and independence to properly investigate such cases. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is now investigating the Mexican government’s failure to ensure effective access to justice for both women.
Take action!

Dear President

I am writing to raise concerns about the cases of Inés Fernلndez Ortega and Valentina Rosendo Cantْ who were raped by members of the armed forces in 2002, which have never been brought to justice. As long as their cases remain within military jurisdiction, they will not be investigated fully or fairly and the women will be denied justice. I therefore call on you to demonstrate your commitment to protecting human rights by:

Immediately taking steps to guarantee that the cases are transferred to the appropriate civilian authorities.

Ensuring that the perpetrators of these rapes are brought to justice through the civilian justice system and that the victims are given appropriate reparations.

Yours sincerely Please send appeals to:

Felipe Calderَn
Presidente de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos
Residencia Official de “Los Pinos”
Col. San Miguel Chapultepec
México DF
CP 11850
Mexico

E-mail: [email protected]



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