BBC News Online: World: Americas

Deported US activists accuse Mexico of abuses in Chiapas

Three United States citizens expelled from the Mexican state of Chiapas have said they were deported for witnessing an act of war by the Mexican government against its own people.

They were deported late on Sunday together with nine other foreigners after the Mexican government accused them of supporting Zapatista rebels.

The United States urged Mexico to allow foreign observers to remain in Chiapas, as long as their activities respect Mexican law and sovereignty.

The Mexican foreign minister, Rosario Green, said the expulsion was in defence of national sovereignty, not an act of xenophobia.

At least sixteen Mexicans have also been detained by the authorities.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service