Mexico’s senate has approved a bill aiming to prevent the widespread practice of torture among security forces.
The new law, which was passed with 80 votes in favor and four against, will mean that individuals convicted of torture face from four to up to 20 years in prison. The new legislation also prohibits courts from using testimony obtained under duress. Senator Cristina Diaz said the ruling signified Mexico’s commitment to international legal standards. “It does not simply seek to punish, but it has a special focus on prevention of the crime.”
Human rights organizations have long accused Mexican security forces of torturing suspects in order to extract information or confessions. The legislation was approved amid news that a Mexican army general has been sentenced to 52 years and six months in prison because he ordered the torture of a suspect. The general’s name was not released, but authorities said the victim died of a heart attack resulting from electric shocks.