Survivor of Violence in Mexico 'Pedaling for Justice' Across Texas Angela Kocherga - KHOU.com
go to original October 30, 2013

Carlos Gutierrez lost his legs to cartel violence in Mexico. Carlos hopes to raise awareness of Mexican corruption and impunity, and to spotlight the hurdles faced by Mexicans seeking asylum in the U.S. Carlos talks about his his journey in this short film by documentary filmmaker Eugenio del Bosque. (Pedaling for Justice )

EL PASO, Texas — A cyclist on a 701 mile bike ride across Texas is “Pedaling for Justice” to raise awareness about Mexican citizens fleeing violence and seeking a safe haven in the US.

“We had to go through something very cruel, difficult. We’re not here because we chose to leave,” said Carlos Gutierrez, 35.

Two years ago Gutierrez owned a successful food and beverage company in Chihuahua City. But when he could no longer pay thousands of dollars in extortion money, criminals cut off the lower part of his legs. “I was tortured, mutilated," said Gutierrez.

He survived the attack and fled across the border to El Paso where he is now among a growing number of Mexicans citizens seeking asylum. Some have formed a group called “Mexicanos en  Exilo,” Mexicans in Exile, which offers legal assistance in the US while seeking justice for victims back in Mexico.

Read the rest at KHOU.com

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