The Narco News Bulletin

US Rep. José Serrano: "The Murder of Brad Will Raises a Larger Issue About the Role of the Mexican Government"

Letter to Condoleezza Rice: "Some of My Newest Constituents Fled their Former Homes in Mexico from Paramilitary Violence and Intimidation"

By US Rep. José Serrano
(D-Bronx, New York)

May 15, 2007
This report appears on the internet at http://www.narconews.com/Issue45/article2664.html

May 14, 2007

Click the image to download the .pdf version of Serrano's letter

Dear Secretary Rice:

I am writing to request any information you might have regarding the status of the Mexican government's investigation into the shooting of Brad Will, an American journalist who was murdered in Oaxaca, Mexico in October, 2006. Mr. Will was a frequent visitor to my district who volunteered with several local organizations in the South Bronx. I would further ask that the State Department work to ensure that this investigation be carried out promptly and that its findings be made public. Lastly, I would urge you to ensure that those found responsible for Mr. Will's death be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The murder of Mr. Will raises a larger issue about the role of the Mexican government in aggressively pursuing a cessation of murder, beatings, and torture carried out by police and paramilitary groups in Oaxaca, Guadalajara, San Salvador, and Atenco. Some of my newest constituents hail from these regions and have fled their former homes in the face of escalating violence and intimidation by these groups. I am hopeful that you will urge President Calderon to fully investigate and pursue all allegations of such abuses.

Thank you for your kind consideration of this request and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

José E. Serrano
Member of Congress