Mexico rethinks death penalty

The Congress in Mexico has agreed to debate the issue of reinstating capital punishment for some crimes.



The move follows a surge in murders and kidnappings in the country, many linked to drug cartels and organised crime.



Mexico abolished capital punishment in 2005, but recent surveys suggest that 70 percent of Mexicans are in favour of the death penalty.



Mexico has long been a powerful voice in international forums calling for the abolition of capital punishment and has not carried out an execution since 1961.



Millions of Mexicans are appalled by the rising insecurity in the country, and are looking for any means to control it.