Debate Rises Over Death Toll In Mexico Drug War

Posted: 10:11 am MDT June 2, 2011

MEXICO CITY -- The debate over how many have died in Mexico's 4 1/2-year-old drug war is intensifying, with the government refusing to release any new figures.

The last official toll was just short of 35,000 lives. It came six months ago, and the pace of the slaughter seems to have continued.

Some Mexican news media say the toll has topped 40,000 since President Felipe Calderon took office in December 2006.

Anti-crime activist Francisco Torres said Wednesday that the lack of openness on the issue only increases Mexicans' sense of insecurity.
The mounting number of victims includes rival gang members killed in turf battles, but also innocent bystanders, extortion victims, police and soldiers.

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