EQUIPO NIZKOR |
|
07Jul11
Statement from Sandra L. Babcock, attorney for Humberto Leal Garcia, following the execution
"Today the United States stumbled in its commitment to the rule of law. Mr. Leal, tragically, will suffer the consequences. He will be executed tonight, despite the fact that his right to consular assistance was violated. If he had had the assistance of the Mexican consulate at the time of trial, Mr. Leal would have had a meaningful opportunity to show that he was not guilty of capital murder.
"It is shameful that Mr. Leal will pay the price for our inaction. The need for Congressional action to restore our reputation and protect our citizens is more urgent than ever.
"This case was not just about one Mexican national on death row in Texas. The execution of Mr. Leal violates the United States' treaty commitments, threatens the nation's foreign policy interests, and undermines the safety of all Americans abroad. That is why the U.S. Solicitor General, former diplomats, military leaders, and Americans detained overseas were among those who joined together to call for a stay of execution.
"It is now imperative that Congress promptly act to ensure passage of legislation that will bring the U.S. into compliance with its international legal commitments and provide judicial review to the forty Mexican nationals who remain on death row in violation of their consular rights."
Sandra L. Babcock, Clinical Professor of Law at Northwestern University School of Law and attorney for Mr. Leal.
July 7, 2011
 | This document has been published on 08Jul11 by the Equipo Nizkor and Derechos Human Rights. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. |