Homicides in Mexico 15% higher than previous year

World Today

Homicides in Mexico 15% higher than previous year

For the first half of 2016, Mexico’s murder rate rose over 15 percent compared to last year. This has prompted concern that the country’s recent gains in quelling the drug war might be slowing down.

CCTV America’s Martin Markovits reports.
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Security analyst Samuel Gonzalez believes the increase in violence could be the result of a backlash over new reforms judicial reforms implemented in the last few years.

Since June, as part of the nationwide reforms, open or oral hearings will be the norm, aiming to change the criminal justice system from the crime scene to the courtroom. Police now have to read the rights of the accused before making an arrest.

According to Gonzalez, Mexico’s corrupt security forces are struggling to adapt to the new system.

“They have not been able to put the proper criminal justice system in place. Why The training of the police was not properly done. The training of the prosecutor is not properly done. Why is so hard to change a criminal system Police are now used to another way of thinking. The policemen are having some kind of fear. If they fail in an arrest, they can they be subject to criminal liability,” Gonzalez said.

As the homicide rate grows, it is going to be crucial to improve training for Mexico’s security forces.