Overview
- On December 16, the Inter-American Court found Mexico internationally responsible for the 2007 sexual assault, torture and death of Ernestina Ascencio by Army personnel.
- The Court ruled the assault constituted torture and concluded that severe injuries plus the lack of timely, adequate medical care caused her death.
- It found the original probes were closed prematurely, lacked gender, ethnic and age perspectives, and were tainted by stereotypes echoed by high officials, including then-president Felipe Calderón.
- Ordered remedies include a fresh criminal investigation, medical and psychological care for relatives, a public acknowledgment, training for officials, strengthening a Soledad Atzompa care center and a national registry of indigenous-language interpreters.
- Mexico publicly accepted responsibility and President Claudia Sheinbaum said the state will comply, while the family and rights groups pressed for an FGR-led reinvestigation and a prompt compliance roadmap.