Mexico lawmakers OK civilian courts for soldiers

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Lawmakers on Wednesday unanimously approved amendments to Mexico’s military justice code that will allow members of the armed forces who commit crimes against civilians to be tried in civilian courts, a historic change that human rights defenders have been demanding for years.

The changes were approved on a 428-0 vote in the House of Deputies. The measure, which passed unanimously in the Senate last week, is expected to be signed by President Enrique Pena Nieto.