‘Cause that is how Mexico rolls

For those of you who haven't heard the latest ongoing story regarding the laughable excuse of a justice system they have in Mexico, here is the short version:

Canadian woman, Brenda Martin, goes to Mexico to work as a cook for another Canadian, Richard Waage.

Richard Waage is arrested in 2001 in the US for conducting an investment scam. He is now serving 10 years in a US jail.

Five years AFTER Waage is arrested, Mexican authorities pick up Martin off the street in Mexico and arrest her for "playing a role in the investment scam"

Waage signs two affidavits attesting Martin had no information regarding his illegal activities. Mexican authorities hold Martin without trial (since early 2006) on money laundering charges, citing evidence of "financial transactions" between Martin and her boss (yes, as in a severance package for being let go). The Federales point to the severance package as evidence of an agreement that Martin would launder that money for her boss (who has been in jail for 5 years). Why did they wait five years? Cause that is how Mexico rolls.

Martin is interrogated by police without access to a translator or a lawyer. Eventually her Mexican lawyer files a consitutional appeal based on that violation. That appeal is denied by the Mexican government, stating Martin will still need to stand trial (at some unknown point in the future).

Martin is now in the prison's hospital on suicide watch.

It is an important reminder that once you go into another country there is little the Canadian government can do beyond exerting political pressure to get you out. And if the country has a justice system that is either slow and/or corrupt? Tough. Cause that is how Mexico rolls.

Media reports:

Here, and here