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 News Around the Republic of Mexico | February 2005 
DNA Locates Mexico 'Stolen Child'
 America News - PVNN
Special prosecutor Ignacio Carrillo |
Mexico City - A DNA test has proved that a Mexican immigrant worker living in Washington was abducted as a child by Mexican police in the country's "dirty war". Juan Carlos Hernandez disappeared in 1975 at the age of three, along with his parents and uncle, who were suspected left-wing guerrillas.
He was located by his biological sister, Aleida Gallangos.
Mexican President Vicente Fox has vowed to shed light on the political persecutions of the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
'Compensation'
The 33-year-old man, whose real name is Lucio Antonio Gallangos, disappeared with his parents and sister during a police raid on a guerrilla safe house in Mexico City in 1975.
The last known records of their parents say they were interrogated after being rounded up.
He was adopted by a family which later emigrated to the United States, and was unaware of his true identity until his sister located him in Washington just before Christmas.
"This is compensation for my grandmother and my uncles who have suffered most," said Mr Hernandez, who was presented the result of the DNA test at the Mexican embassy in Washington.
During the period known as the "dirty war", hundreds of dissidents disappeared while in police custody.
The National Human Rights commission has established that at least 275 suspected leftist activists were abducted by security forces.
Hope
Mr Fox has appointed a special prosecutor, Ignacio Carrillo, who should bring those responsible to trial.
But survivors and relatives of the missing have voiced scepticism.
Despite having eventually located her brother, Ms Gallangos said she felt investigators had been hampering rather then helping her in her quest.
But Mr Hernandez, who is the first of Mexico's missing to be found dead or alive, urged relatives of other disappeared not to give up hope.
"Things get clearer every day," he said. "I see more clearly all the years my grandmother was searching, and the cause that my parents were fighting for."
"What I still don't understand is why they made them disappear." |
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