Dear Sir,

I note that government lawyer Heriberto Estrada defends the workings of the Mexican justice system in the Brenda Martin case, yet conspicuously fails to specify an iota of evidence that would justify her conviction.

Without any obvious or publicized evidence, an observer is left with the opinion that the verdict merely reflects a specific judge’s opinion, and that it has scant reference to rule of law.

In Canada, judges are not free to simply act on their whims. Their decisions must conform to evidence, procedural rules and relevant legal precedents.

Inadvertantly perhaps, the decision affirms the stereotype that the Mexican legal system is arbitrary and cruel.  The inevitable result is a lack of trust or respect for Mexcio and its institutions.

I am not alone among Canadians in terms of how that decision influences me:  I will never travel to Mexico, or conduct business with any Mexican.  I will discourage other Canadians from doing so.  I will work strenuously to have the Canadian government rescind free trade with Mexico on the grounds it is an unreliable partner.

I guess keeping the unfortunate woman in jail for five years must be worth all that.

David Miles Morton