When the witness refused to sign a false statement that suspected drug gang members had died in a shootout with the Mexican army, state investigators kicked her in the ribs, put a bag over her head, plunged her face in a toilet boil and told her they "could even make the mute talk."
A 20-year-old woman who survived a June 30 mass killing by the Mexican army told the AP that federal prosecutors pushed to make the extra-judicial killings of gangsters by soldiers look like a gun battle. Case files obtained by the AP support her statements. The woman, who spoke under condition of anonymity, was recently released after being falsely jailed for weapons charges.
The army slaying, along with the case of the missing 43 college students, has thrown Mexico into a human rights crisis.
The case came to light after reports that only 1 soldier was wounded after a fierce firefight with gangsters. At the scene, the AP found little evidence of a firefight but found marks indicating shootings at close range.
Three soldiers were charged with aggravated homicide and others including a lieutenant were charged with improper actions. The army and attorney general say that's as far as the case goes.
The witness says she faces mounting bills for medical treatment and wants the government to recognize the abuse.
"I am asking for justice, because they never found any evidence against us."
IN-DEPTH:
U.S. Activists: Rallies Planned During Mexico President's Visit To U.S.
Mexico: Hunt for 43 Students Puts Focus On Thousands Missing
Are The Missing Students Protests Turning Into A Mexican Spring?
--The Associated Press