Mexico's Human Rights Commission Accused of Simulating Ayotzinapa Investigation

Former head of the Ayotzinapa case unit at Mexico's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), Alejandro Martínez, said the commission's latest recommendation, 208VG/2026, was a "simulation" designed to shield military officials implicated in the 2014 disappearance of 43 students. He explained that the special investigative unit he led was dismantled in March 2022 after pressure from then Defense Secretary Luis Cresencio Sandoval, with the order coming from CNDH president Rosario Piedra Ibarra and executive secretary Francisco Estrada. Martínez described a pattern of intimidation, threats, and procedural delays, including a three‑month postponement in assigning the case file number, aimed at obstructing justice and protecting public servants.

The ex‑director warned that the commission's recommendation lacks technical rigor and serves interests contrary to the victims, effectively revictimising families and undermining the CNDH's stated role as a defender of the people.