In view of the genetic identification of Christian Alfonso Rodríguez Telumbre, carried out by the University of Innsbruck and verified by the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team (EAAF, by its Spanish acronym), we reiterate our solidarity and affection for his family and call for their privacy to be respected during this difficult moment.
This identification confirms that the previous administration’s “historical truth” was a fabrication that violated the right to truth. In light of this, we recognize the ethical and professional work carried out by the EAAF, the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (GIEI, by its Spanish acronym), the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the Office in Mexico of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN-OHCHR), the Special Investigation and Litigation Unit for the Ayotzinapa Case, and the Commission for Truth and Access to Justice in the Ayotzinapa Case.
The families have said that they would accept the truth no matter how painful it was as long as it was supported by scientific evidence. This identification confirms that there are still countless aspects of the case that have yet to be clarified.
The investigations must continue until the truth of what happened is fully clarified, enabling the punishment of those responsible for the disappearance and the manipulation of the first investigation.
The families of the 43 and the thousands of families with disappeared loved ones have a right to the truth. Christian’s identification demonstrates the importance of promoting extraordinary forensic identification mechanisms with international accompaniment.
Until there is truth,
Until there is justice.
The Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez Human Rights Center