She killed a man while he was raping her, and a court in Mexico sentenced her to 6 years in prison

[Judi Lynn]

Associated Press
Megan Janetsky And Fernanda Pesce
Published May 17, 2023 • 4 minute read



Activists paste photos of Roxana Ruiz that read in Spanish "Defending my life is not a crime" on a wall near the court building where the 22-year-old attends a hearing where she is charged with homicide with excess of legitimate self-defence in Chimalhuacan, State of Mexico, Mexico, Monday, Abril 18, 2022. PHOTO BY EDUARDO VERDUGO /AP Photo

MEXICO CITY — A Mexican woman who killed a man defending herself when he attacked and raped her in 2021 was sentenced to more than six years in prison, a decision her legal defence called “discriminatory” and vowed to appeal Tuesday.

The ruling against Roxana Ruiz spurred anger from experts and feminist groups who said it speaks to the depth of gender-based violence and Mexico’s poor record of bringing perpetrators of sexual violence to justice.

“It would be a bad precedent if this sentence were to hold. It’s sending the message to women that, you know what, the law says you can defend yourself, but only to a point,” said Angel Carrera, her defence lawyer. “He raped you, but you don’t have the right to do anything.”

The Associated Press does not normally identify sexual assault victims, but Ruiz has given her permission to be identified and participates in public demonstrations led by activists who support her.

More:
https://canoe.com/news/crime/she-killed-a-man-while-he-was-raping-her-and-a-court-in-mexico-sentenced-her-to-6-years-in-prison/wcm/41632ea6-dcb4-41ae-90b8-a5a616f5bb05

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. The court has levied a sexist ruling against this innocent woman. I am angered & appalled. nt

[Deuxcents]

2. If he had killed her, this would be a different verdict. Machismo is alive in well even today.

I hope her supporters get her home soon

[Bayard]

3. He won't be raping anybody else

Good for her, and I hope she beats the charge.

[CANADIANBEAVER69]

4. Imagine if men were raped as often as women

One in five for women compared to one in 71 to men will be raped at some point in their lives based on National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

An estimated 91% of victims of rape & sexual assault are female and 9% male (Cal Poly Humboldt-using US Dept of Justice statistics)

I think if men had to face the fear of rape, as much as women do, things would be a bit different. It's an unspeakable serious crime against a person, regardless of gender.

[liberalla]

5. She was also ordered to pay $16,000 to his family!!!

Hopefully this verdict and sentence does not stand.

[SunSeeker]

10. OMFG

[Silent Type]

6. If she hunted him down for 20 years, I'd still find in her favor.

[LoisB]

7. Yep.

[C Moon]

9. I'm sure the GOP is applauding this.

[Judi Lynn]

11. Mexican Court sentences mother to 6 years in prison after claiming she used 'excessive force' to str

Mexican Court sentences mother to 6 years in prison after claiming she used ‘excessive force' to strangle her rapist

by: C.G. Jones 05/18/2023

A young Mexican mother has been sentenced to six years in prison after she strangled a man with a t-shirt after he raped her. The case has sparked outrage and protests across the country, per the New York Post.

The Mexico State Court that though Roxana Ruiz had been raped, she had used excessive force in defending herself. The authorities suggested that striking the perpetrator in the head would have been enough to sufficiently defend herself.

Link to tweet

However, Ruiz’s lawyers have condemned the ruling as “discriminatory,” noting that the decision sets a poor precedent in a country that has been dealing with gender-based violence, per the report.

Angel Carrera, Ruiz’s defense attorney, said: “It’s sending the message to women that, you know what, the law says you can defend yourself, but only to a point.”

Link to tweet

More:
https://humanevents.com/2023/05/18/court-claims-mother-who-strangled-her-rapist-with-a-t-shirt-used-excessive-force-sentences-her-to-6-years-in-mexican-prison

[Judi Lynn]

12. Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Commend Venezuela on Hig

Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Commend Venezuela on High Number of Girls Studying Science Subjects, Ask Questions about Trafficking and Health Issues Affecting Women

19 May 2023

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its consideration of the ninth periodic report of Venezuela, with Committee Experts commending the State on the high number of girls studying science subjects, and asking about trafficking and health issues affecting women.

A Committee Expert commended the State party for the progress made in education, including incorporating gender equality and comprehensive sexual health into curricula. Venezuela was congratulated for the high number of girls enrolled in science, technology, mathematics and engineering subjects; 57 per cent of girls were enrolled in universities and 42 per cent of these girls were enrolled in courses like engineering and architecture. This was a great achievement.

Another Committee Expert was heartbroken at reports that Venezuelans had been exploited into prostitution on the way to other countries. Why had the national action plan on trafficking not been published? What was the State party doing to combat criminal groups that lured women and girls into prostitution? Was there a law against the exploitation of prostitution, and how was it enforced? What was being done to educate women and girls on prostitution, especially during migration? What assistance did the State party offer its citizens if they were exploited or trafficked in other countries?

One Committee Expert said the sanctions imposed against Venezuela significantly impacted the current state of healthcare in Venezuela. How did the State party plan to ensure universal access to safe and affordable contraceptives in both urban and rural areas? Did the State party plan to amend its legislation to decriminalise abortion, and ensure the availability of abortion services? Would the shortages of vital medications for women and girls be addressed? Had there been an evaluation of the childcare plan? What was the status of the system to monitor maternal health?

More:
https://www.ohchr.org/en/news/2023/05/experts-committee-elimination-discrimination-against-women-commend-venezuela-high