U.N.: Texas Execution of Mexican Citizen Violated Int'l Law
In a statement released by U.N. Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, the U.S. execution of Mexican citizen Humberto Leal Garcia breached international law.
Pillay claims that a 2004 International Court of Justice ruling declared that the U.S. must review and reconsider the cases of 51 Mexican nationals sentenced to death, including Garcia's, and it never happened.
The execution, which took place in Texas on Thursday, had been under intense scrutiny from different public figures. The Mexican government as well as the Obama administration urged the Supreme Court to postpone the execution so Congress could have time to consider legislation that would require court reviews when condemning foreign nationals who were no informed of their right to counseling by their consulate. The request was rejected by the high court by a vote of 5-4.
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Mexico's foreign ministry released a statement saying the government condemned Garcia's execution and sent a note of protest to the U.S. State Department.
The ministry claims Mexican ambassador Arturo Sarukhan attempted to contact Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who refused to speak on the phone. The governor's office reportedly declined to comment on the execution Thursday.
In his final moments on earth, Leal expressed nothing but remorse and regret. "I have hurt a lot of people," Garcia said. "I take full blame for everything. I am sorry for what I did."
He then said, “I know Christ has forgiven me, and I accept his forgiveness. I am sorry for the victim’s family for what I did. May they forgive me.”
The 38-year-old mechanic was sentenced to death for the rape and murder of 16-year-old Adria Sauceda, whose maimed nude body was found hours after the two had left a street party.
