Mexican government decries Texas execution

MEXICO CITY, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Mexican government officials said the United States violated international law by executing a Mexican national in Texas.

The Mexican government said in a statement it sent the U. S. Department of State a note of protest "for this violation of international law, expressing its concern for the precedent that it may create for the rights of Mexican nationals who may be detained in that country," CNN reported Thursday

Protesters for and against Jose Ernesto Medellin's execution faced off before he was put to death Tuesday night in Huntsville, Texas, for raping and murdering two teens in 1993. Medellin was 18 when he took part in the June 1993 gang rape and murder of two girls, Jennifer Ertman, 14, and Elizabeth Pena, 16.

"The Ministry of Foreign Relations reiterates that the importance of this case fundamentally stems from the respect to the right to consular access and protection provided by consulates of every state to each of

its nationals abroad," the note said.

Medellin's lawyers argued that Mexican consular officials were not able to meet with the man until after his conviction