Human Rights Watch Calls for Mexico Drug Funding Cutoff

The group Human Rights Watch is accusing the Mexican government of rights violations in its ongoing war against drug cartels and says U.S. antidrug aid should be suspended until the problems are addressed, the Los Angeles Times reported July 14.

Writing to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the group urged the Obama administration not to deliver the funding until Mexico is held accountable for a “rapidly growing number of serious abuses,” such as failing to try soldiers accused of violations in civilian courts. Congress, is passing the $1.4-billion Merida Initiative, allowed the State Department to withhold up to 15 percent of funding unless Mexico meets certain human-rights conditions.

Mexican soldiers battling the drug cartels have been accused of torture, rape, illegal arrest and murder.