Mexico’s Congress has voted in favour of extending the presence of the military on the streets until 2028. Troops have been carrying out public security duties for years as part of Mexico’s war against drugs and the gangs which control their trade. But critics say extending the military’s duties for another four years further militarises the country. Rights groups say the militarisation of police duties has led to human rights abuses and further violence. But members of the president’s party argued that if the army were to be taken off the streets, Mexico’s population would be left at the mercy of organised crime gangs. The bill was passed after a marathon session in the Chamber of Deputies with 339 votes in favour and 155 against. It will still have to be passed by the legislatures of 31 states and the capital, Mexico City, to come into law, but the big hurdle was getting it approved in Congress.(BBC)…[+]