SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Members of Mexico’s National Guard in Baja California are accused of human rights and civil rights violations more than any other police agency in the state, according to Hassan Franco Ruiz, president of Baja’s Lawyers Bar Association.
“I don’t handle these cases, but there’s an attorney who helps me in this area and most human rights violations allegations in the city are against the National Guard,” he said.
He stated soldiers need to undergo training and need to learn about basic human rights.
“They need to take courses to teach them about human rights and basic law so they know how to approach and interact with members of the public,” said Franco Ruiz. “This is fundamental, they are capable of acting in a civil manner.”
Recently, a photojournalist covering a murder scene in Tijuana was assaulted by members of Mexico’s National Guard in Tijuana.
They are also accused of smashing and destroying the photographer’s equipment.
“The photographer had every right to be there and document and decimate the information, he didn’t hurt members of the National Guard, he never revealed anything personal about them or broke any laws.”
In Mexico, it is against the law to publish any private information involving public safety officers or officials.
“The lack of familiarization can lead to conflict and in this case, the National Guard crossed the line and committed a crime by destroying his equipment and injuring him.”
The photographer was also arrested and taken to a police station but was released.
According to a published report in Tijuana’s El Sol Newspaper, the National Guard has agreed to pay for damages to a tripod and camera lens belonging to the journalist.
Mexico’s National Guard in Baja California would not comment on this incident or Franco Ruiz’s allegations about soldiers often violating people’s human rights.
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