In a startling move, Mexican prosecutors have apprehended José Murguía Santiago, the mayor of Teuchitlán, located in the western state of Jalisco, amid allegations of his involvement with the notorious New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG). The arrest ties into an ongoing investigation centered around a ranch in the vicinity, where local activists uncovered chilling evidence, including bone fragments, discarded shoes, backpacks, and clothing items back in March.
Rights organizations have raised alarm over the site, suggesting it functioned as an "extermination camp." They contend it may have been a location where recruits were forcibly trained, and dissenters faced torture and execution. This harrowing revelation has intensified scrutiny of cartel-related violence that has long plagued Mexico, where over 120,000 individuals remain missing due to ongoing conflicts.
Attorney-General Alejandro Gertz recently addressed the media regarding the investigation, noting that the ranch had indeed served as a training facility for the CJNG. However, he downplayed concerns about potential mass killings or concealments, asserting the forensic evidence suggested no recent activity linked to human remains disposal and that the fires present were insufficient for complete incineration.
This statement drew ire from families of the missing, known as "searchers," sparking outrage and further questions surrounding the belongings found at the ranch and the identities of those who were potentially affected. Despite Mayor Murguía Santiago’s claims of transparency and innocence, prosecutors argue he had knowledge of the training camp's operations yet failed to intervene.
As the investigation continues, both local and national fears regarding cartel violence and complicity in governance remain prominent, leaving many calling for a thorough and transparent inquiry into the unfolding events.
Rights organizations have raised alarm over the site, suggesting it functioned as an "extermination camp." They contend it may have been a location where recruits were forcibly trained, and dissenters faced torture and execution. This harrowing revelation has intensified scrutiny of cartel-related violence that has long plagued Mexico, where over 120,000 individuals remain missing due to ongoing conflicts.
Attorney-General Alejandro Gertz recently addressed the media regarding the investigation, noting that the ranch had indeed served as a training facility for the CJNG. However, he downplayed concerns about potential mass killings or concealments, asserting the forensic evidence suggested no recent activity linked to human remains disposal and that the fires present were insufficient for complete incineration.
This statement drew ire from families of the missing, known as "searchers," sparking outrage and further questions surrounding the belongings found at the ranch and the identities of those who were potentially affected. Despite Mayor Murguía Santiago’s claims of transparency and innocence, prosecutors argue he had knowledge of the training camp's operations yet failed to intervene.
As the investigation continues, both local and national fears regarding cartel violence and complicity in governance remain prominent, leaving many calling for a thorough and transparent inquiry into the unfolding events.
