PUBLIC AI Index: AMR 41/066/2007

22 November 2007

Further Information on UA 268/07 (AMR 41/059/2007, 19 October 2007) Prisoner of conscience/ legal concern

MEXICO Magdalena García Durán (f)

Prisoner of conscience Magdalena García Durán was released from the Molino de las Flores prison in Mexico state on the evening of 9 November. Her release follows a third federal injunction (amparo), granted on 16 October, which concluded there was no evidence justifying her detention and trial on charges of kidnapping and attacks on public roads.

Magdalena García Durán was arbitrarily detained in San Salvador Atenco, Mexico state, on 4 May 2006. She was beaten and kicked by police officers when she was detained. After six days in detention she was informed of the charges against her, remanded into custody and was committed for trial. She has consistently denied the charges and her defence lawyer has presented evidence to indicate that Magdalena García Durán was not in San Salvador Atenco at the time the offences of which she was accused took place.

Amnesty International remains concerned for the fate of more than 150 people who still face charges following demonstrations in San Salvador Atenco, and for 20 people who continue to be detained on the same charges and evidence as Magdalena García Durán.

Magdalena García Durán has expressed her gratitude to Amnesty International for its campaigning on her behalf.

Many thanks to all those who sent appeals. No further action is requested from the UA network.

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