Mexico Not Bowing To Pressure.

I feel for Brenda Martin and what is happening to her, BUT, she made the choice to challenge the Mexican courts, and is losing. Basically, I think she made the mistake of thinking that Mexico was as liberal as Canada, and that she had the same human rights there as she would have here.

Bernier to discuss jailed Canadian with Mexico

National media attention has thrown Martin's case into the spotlight and the Canadian government reacted to public scrutiny last week by issuing a diplomatic note of protest to Mexico. The note was issued days after Martin learned her constitutional challenge -- which stated her human rights had been violated -- was rejected by the Mexican courts.

According to the judge's ruling, Martin's human rights -- including access to a translator while being interviewed by police and during court appearances -- had not been violated. The judge also stated Martin had confessed to her crimes. (From what I understand she has been in Mexico for ten years, does she not know the language yet?)

So, not only is she involved in a criminal trial, she has also initiated a constitutional challenge. It was the constitutional challenge that was denied. Right or wrong, the judge ruled on the matter, and if she persists, she will spend more time behind bars.

Martin's lawyer, Guillermo Cruz Rico, said Sunday her case is something new for him as he has never seen a constitutional challenge handled in such a way.

After reviewing the judge's ruling, he said only evidence from one side was considered in the decision.

"After we reviewed the ruling we decided to appeal the decision," Cruz said, adding Martin had given him permission to do so despite proclaiming last week she would not.

Maybe some lawyer out there can help me understand how appealing the decision is going to get her released from prison sooner. Either she is getting bad advise, or she is naive, or both.

Finally, why is one hysterical women important enough for the Prime Minister to intervene with the President of Mexico?

However, Martin's friend and advocate, Deb Tieleman, said she believes the only way the former resident of Trenton, Ont., is going to be released is if Prime Minister Stephen Harper intervenes.

This might be harse, but you go to another country, you better abide by their laws, and just because you have a Canadian passport, do not expect to get rescued, expect help, but don't expect our laws and human rights to apply in other countries.