Скачать или смотреть Unveiling the Scandal: Mexican Government's Lawsuit Against US Firearm Makers

Unveiling the Scandal: Mexican Government's Lawsuit Against US Firearm Makers
American firearm manufacturers sued by the Mexican government now have the option to request a case review before the Court of Appeals in a plenary session with the 15 judges. The Federal Court of Appeals for the First District of Massachusetts issued a ruling that paves the way for Mexico to proceed with its lawsuit against United States gun manufacturers. This decision marks a temporary victory for the government of Andrés Manuel López Obrador in its efforts to ensure bilateral acknowledgment of responsibility in the trafficking of American arms and ammunition.

According to the District Court's ruling, the opposition to Mexico's lawsuit is overturned, arguing that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) does not prevent them from pursuing proceedings related to the complaint against the firearm manufacturers.

This victory in U.S. courts is not the final word in the case. The manufacturers sued have the option to request a case review before the same Court in a plenary session with the 15 judges of the Court of Appeals. Additionally, they could appeal to the United States Supreme Court, the highest authority, to determine the procedure of Mexico's lawsuit, which seeks to hold firearm manufacturers accountable for their alleged role in empowering drug cartels and organized crime in Mexico.

Alejandro Celorio Alcántara, legal consultant for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commented that this decision is a "great and historic victory for Mexico in our struggle to expose the responsibility of U.S. firearm manufacturers in the violence that the country has been enduring for years."

The lawsuit against U.S. firearm manufacturers was initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the direction of Marcelo Ebrard, aiming to secure greater cooperation from Washington in curbing the flow of arms and ammunition from north to south. Mexico accuses firearm manufacturers of being indirect accomplices to organized crime, arguing that they are aware that their products are part of the illicit arms trafficking to Mexico and do not alter their marketing policies. After the Boston Court dismissed the attempt to initiate the trial in October 2022, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs appealed the decision in March of last year, and the Court of Appeals has now opened the possibility to proceed with the lawsuit.