Friday, January 4, 2008

Mexico: President’s cousin kidnapped, released

Last year, Mexican president Felipe Calderon launched an anti-crime initiative to battle drug gangs, police corruption, and organized crime. Yet he may face a slightly embarrassing situation after his cousin was briefly kidnapped on Wednesday:

Armed attackers reportedly intercepted the president's cousin as he was about to get into his car with his wife. (Alfonso) Reyes was forced into another vehicle around 6 pm but was released around 10:30 pm. A strong police operation had been set up to find him.

Authorities are unsure of the exact motivation behind the nabbing, though an article from Reuters observed that “violent turf wars” between drug gangs were common in Reyes’ home state of Michoacán.

Sources- Reuters, Monsters & Critics, The Latin Americanist

Image- MSNBC

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