translated from Spanish: Mexico Sues U.S. GunMakers over Increased Violence

In order to contain the illegal trafficking of weapons into the national territory, the Government of Mexico, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), filed a civil lawsuit in a U.S. Court against private companies that manufacture firearms in the United States.
The lawsuit was filed today in Massachusetts District Court, in Boston, against manufacturers Smith &wesson Brands Inc.; Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc.; Beretta USA Corp.; Beretta Holding S.P.A.; Century International Arms Inc.; Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC; Glock Inc.; Glock Ges M.B.H.; Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc.; Witmer Public Safety Group Inc., and D/B/A Interstate Arms.
Mexican authorities said the production of weapons in the United States, and their illegal trafficking to Mexico, is directly related to the increase in violence in the country, as the weaponry ends up in the hands of drug cartels and criminal groups.

Through the SRE’s Legal Consultancy, the civil claim for damages was filed in a Boston Court because that state is the main base of operations of these weapons producers, and it is intended that the companies compensate Mexico for its co-responsibility in the problem of violence, it was explained at a press conference.
Foreign Ministry sources informed Political Animal that the Massachusetts District Court is composed of 9 out of 11 liberal judges, so it is anticipated that the lawsuit will be admitted and approved in favor of Mexico.
Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard explained that the civil lawsuit does not mean a diplomatic conflict between the two countries because the US Government is not accused, but individuals.

The official listed the Mexican government’s claims.
“What are you looking for with this lawsuit, where does Mexico want to go, what is the objective? First, that the defendant companies compensate the Government of Mexico for the damages caused by their negligent practices – the amount of this requirement will be determined at trial. That they develop and implement reasonable, verifiable standards to monitor and, where appropriate, discipline their distributors, because companies know it, argue that when it goes on sale and marketing they no longer have any responsibility, but they do,” Ebrard said.
“But not only that, they are developing different models for drug trafficking, which are used by drug trafficking, they are made for that, for them to buy, they are more valuable, they have different types of arrangements, from the aesthetic and use point of view. (We also demand) that they incorporate security mechanisms into their weapons so that we can prevent them from being used by unauthorized persons, or those linked to crime. That they pay for studies, programs, media campaigns and other events focused on preventing illicit arms trafficking. That companies immediately cease the negligent practices that cause harm, deaths, in Mexico.”
The president of the Political Coordination Board of the Senate, Ricardo Monreal, stressed that this is an unprecedented demand that will help reduce the rates of violence in the country.
“It is demanded not only to repair the damage, but to prevent the further generation of this tragedy of violence that Mexico is experiencing. Many of our problems with violence are caused by the illegal use and illegal introduction of weapons into our country.
“This evil is attributed to the increase in violence, the arming of cartels and criminal groups that commit not only drug trafficking, but kidnappings, murders, homicides and many other crimes around the use of illegally introduced weapons,” the Morenist legislator said.
 
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Original source in Spanish