The Attorney General’s Office of Quintana Roo, in Mexico, reported this Sunday that it initiated an investigation into “the murder of a victim with a private identity in which elements of the municipal police probably participated” from Tulum.
“At the moment, prosecutors from the Public Ministry have obtained interviews with four public servants -three male and one female-“, explained the Prosecutor’s Office in a statement.
The incident was captured in videos that circulate on social networks and that aroused outrage among its users. Citizen Free Press has not been able to independently verify the veracity of the audiovisuals or who or where took them. The Prosecutor’s Office told Citizen Free Press that the homicide victim referred to is the one who appears in these images on the internet.
The prosecution indicated to Citizen Free Press that it could not give more details about the incident.
Videos show what appears to be an arrest
In the videos, a woman is seen on the ground during what appears to be an arrest. Another woman dressed as a policeman – along with other uniformed men and in front of a patrol car – puts her knee on the detainee’s neck and back and what appears to be a scream from the subjected woman can be heard.
In another shot, the detainee is seen when she appears to be immobile and handcuffed. Then she is loaded into the back of a pickup truck with “Municipal Transit” logos.
The videos do not make it clear what happened before the interaction between the police and the deceased. Nor is it yet known when the woman died or the causes of her death.
The Prosecutor’s Office did not give details in the statement, but added that “experts from various disciplines such as anthropologists, criminalists, photography, fingerprinting and forensics -among others- collect all the signs and evidence” of the case.
He added that they are still awaiting “the results of the autopsy, the video analysis and other evidence” to take the case to court.
The General Directorate of Public Safety and Municipal Traffic of Tulum -which depends on the Municipal Presidency- had not ruled this Sunday about the fact. He also did not immediately respond to calls and messages sent by Citizen Free Press seeking information.
Tulum municipal president condemns the incident
The municipal president of Tulum, Víctor Mas Tah, condemned the incident this Sunday through Twitter. “The moment I found out about the unfortunate events, I ordered that the elements be brought before the State Attorney General’s Office … I call on the corresponding authorities to carry out investigations, determine responsibilities and do justice,” he said. “We condemn any act of violence against them (women) and anyone who lives in our municipality and visits it,” he added.
The Quintana Roo State Human Rights Commission reported in a statement that it opened an ex officio complaint for the incident. “Any deprivation of life is regrettable and reprehensible, especially when it comes to people who are constitutionally obliged to respect, guarantee, protect and promote human rights,” he said.
-Adrián Ledezma and Eduardo Aragón contributed to this report.