Promises to Kill Criminals Every 24 Hours Come July
JUAREZ--- A vigilante group in Juarez has set an ominous date. A day they plan to start killing criminals.
A city overrun by violence. And now a drastic measure, some have predicted for a while.
"We have to unite now. Because enough is enough. We're tired, all of us," said Jovita Melendez, a Juarez citizen who, like so many others, are tired of the killings and crime.
But a new group, the Citizen's Command for Juarez, or CCJ, have promised to take the law into their own hands.
Members have released a manifesto to Juarez media. Among their 10 points, they're declaring war against thieves, kidnappers and extortionist; promising to kill them one by one if the government doesn't stop the violence.
Some of the highlights from the manifesto:
The group is calling on citizens to start what they call the "Citizen's Revolution."
They're comprised of college students, professionals, business owners and the like.
They believe in government, but not in party politics and politicians.
They say they'd be willing to work as informants for the Mexican Army.
"As long as they let us work, I don't care if they kill each other. And as long as they don't kill innocent people," said Julio Medrano, another citizen tired of the ongoing violence.
But according to Tony Payan, A UTEP political science professor, that's exactly the problem with vigilantism.
"So what prevents me from accusing my neighbor of being a criminal? And then having that group target my neighbor?" he proposed.
The Chihuahua State Attorney General has even questioned the groups' existence, suggesting it's just drug dealers making it all up.
But Payan believes by looking at the manifesto, the threats need to be taken seriously.
"These are people who are educated, who've been thinking about this issue, can articulate a position, who can do this kind of stuff," he said.
The group has also promised to start a website where citizens can anonymously report criminals and criminal activity in their area.
That site should be up and running February 2nd.
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