Vatican Insider
November 23, 2011
vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/homepage/world-news/detail/articolo/messico-mexico-mexico-10194/
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| MEXICAN PRIESTS |
Members of the Salesian order expressed their surprise and indignation after a priest was sentenced to 33 years in jail and say they are convinced of his innocence
On 22 November 2011 at 15:00 local time, in the city of San Luis Potosí, in Mexico, the Salesian priest José Carlos Contreras Rodriguez, from the Mexico-Guadalajara Province (MEG), was condemned by Judge Juana Maria Castillo, to 33 years and 6 months in prison for sexual violence and murder.
"Crimes," which the Salesian news agency ANS says "he did not commit." The Salesian document reads: "His family, the Salesians of his Province of origin, and the Salesian Congregation heard the sentence with astonishment and indignation, because they are convinced of his innocence."
According to the agency, "having proved his innocence scientifically and legally," the defence lawyers will be making an appeal to the Federal Court, "where, without political pressure, they are seeking justice on the basis of the law and of the truth."
"Members of his family, the Province and the Congregation – the note went on to state - continue to be close to Fr José Carlos and committed to the pursuit of justice, also on behalf of the victim Itzachel Shantal González López and the Salesian Institute."
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