EXICO CITY - A special prosecutor filed charges on Friday against a former president and other officials in the killings of student protesters 33 years ago, reopening a dark and divisive episode that was a turning point in Mexico's struggle for democracy
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...Mexico's biggest step in the pursuit of justice. Mr. Carrillo said that in addition to Mr. Echeverr�a, who was president from 1970 to 1976, he will seek the arrest and trial of several former government officials and military officers. Those accused include a former internal security minister, Mario Moya, and a former attorney general, Julio S�nchez Vargas. Three former army generals may also face charges in the case.
International human rights activists, including Daniel Wilkinson of Human Rights Watch, applauded the indictments as "achieving the unthinkable."
Some Mexicans, however, expressed resentment and reservations.
Relatives of those killed in the 1971 attacks, including Jes�s Mart�n del Campo, called the indictments "a small, but important step."
Mr. Mart�n del Campo, whose brother was killed, said, "So many governments had told us this case was closed. At least now, we are a little closer to justice."
Ginger Thompson-Tim Weiner/NYTimes Jul.24.04 (reg. free)
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link KWSnet
