Home International 700,000 convicted criminals roam free in Mexico: Report

700,000 convicted criminals roam free in Mexico: Report

By EFE,

Mexico City : Around 700,000 criminals convicted by courts in Mexico are still at large, a non-governmental organisation has said in a report.

The figures were published in a report Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of the national accord on public safety signed by President Felipe Calderon, congressional leaders and state governors Aug 21, 2008.

Jose Antonio Ortega, leader of the NGO Security, Justice and Peace that published the report, said the politicians have not lived up to the commitments they made in the pact, which came amid public uproar over the kidnapping and murder of a businessman’s son.

“The country is experiencing the worst crime crisis in its history, with more kidnappings and killings than ever,” Ortega said.

He said violence persists because “there is no political will” to fight crime.

Ortega said politicians should set crime-reduction targets and resign if the goals are not met.

Over 12,000 people have been killed in drug related violence in the country since 2006.