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Page last updated at 07:05 GMT, Wednesday, 9 July 2008 08:05 UK
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Resignations over Mexico stampede

The entrance to the News Divine club, file image
The tragedy has provoked a huge reaction from the public

Mexico City's police chief and top prosecutor have resigned, amid criticism of a botched nightclub raid in which 12 people died.

The city's mayor, Marcelo Ebrard, said Joel Ortega's resignation was a first step in rebuilding the police force.

The move came after a rights body accused officers of rampant misconduct during the operation, on 20 June.

The raid at the News Divine club led to a stampede in which nine clubbers and three police were killed.

Police blocked exits as they sought underage drinkers at the club.

The officer who led the raid has been charged with 12 counts of murder. He allegedly failed to give orders for people to be let out of the club.

Dozens more officials and police agents have been charged with lesser offences, amid widespread public anger.

Mayor Ebrard pledged to preside over the rebuilding of the police force.

"I have accepted the resignation of the police chief because a big institutional change is required," the mayor said.

Mr Ebrard said Mexico City prosecutor Rodolfo Felix had also stepped down to "guarantee change".

The announcement came shortly after the district's human rights commission released a report criticising the police operation.

It blamed the tragedy on excessive use of force and bad planning by the authorities, the Spanish news agency EFE reported.



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