Cozumel Officials Probed in Child Abuse Case

Cozumel, Mexico — A formal complaint for probable human rights violations has been filed against authorities in Cozumel who participated in the handling of a case involving a girl who was the victim of sexual abuse by a soldier. Angel Salvador Mis, the Third Visitor for Human Rights, confirmed that an investigation has been initiated against the authorities within the scope of his commission's jurisdiction, in this case, municipal and state officials.

Investigation Targets Mayor and Prosecutor

Angel Salvador stated that the investigation will target Cozumel's mayor and the Public Prosecutor's office (Ministerio Público). "We have been in contact with the National Commission and with some authorities to learn about the case and to be on top of it. Likewise, complaints have also been filed that we are processing as is appropriate for the needs we have at the Commission. Due to the nature of the incident, we cannot give data about the complaint, but yes, we already have a complaint and we are attending to it," said Angel Salvador.

Details of the Alleged Crime Emerge

The girl, a victim of sexual abuse inside the Cozumel Military Garrison this past Saturday, was admitted within view of other soldiers through the main entrance of the military base, where she was assaulted in front of the alleged daughters of her aggressor, who were present in a residence within the housing unit.

This information was revealed by the minor's parents in an interview with a local media outlet that was broadcast live. The soldier accused of abusing the girl is currently detained.

Allegations of Revictimization by Officials

However, two days after these events occurred, acts of revictimization perpetrated by agents of the Quintana Roo Attorney General's Office and by the Mayor of Cozumel himself, José Luis Chacón Méndez, have come to light. In recent hours, the mayor has attempted to blame the girl's parents instead of the aggressor.

In the parents' account, it was mentioned that the minor was forcibly put on a motorcycle by her aggressor while she was selling pork rinds approximately 500 meters to the south of the location.