Feds should warn residents about “dangers” of travel to Mexico: Everall

A Thunder Bay woman once accused of murder in Mexico says the federal government needs to make Canadians aware of the potential risks when travelling to that country.

Cheryl Everall and friend Kimberley Kim were accused of murdering a couple near Playa del Carmen in 2006 before being aqcuitted in 2009. Her advice comes after allegations that Rebecca Rutland, a student at Lakehead University, was raped by police while vacationing in the same Mexican resort town Dec. 31.

Everall said the recent accusations are "disturbing and horrific.”

Everall added that Canadians need to be aware of dangers before booking a vacation to countries that she says are known for corruption, violence and unjust legal systems.

"I think this further supports the notion that Canadian tourists will continue to be targets if they continue to travel to Mexico," said Everall.

Mexico has an extensive history with extorting tourists, Everall added.

Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs department has not issued any kind of travel advisory for Canadians going to places like Playa del Carmen.

The CBC reported Monday that Rebecca Rutland, 41, is alleging that she was gang raped by Mexican police while being held in jail. She said she and her fiancé were arrested while on vacation in Mexico on New Year’s Eve.

Rutland is a social worker doing her thesis in the city. She said two police officers took t urns raping her. Meanwhile her fiancé, 51-year-old Richard Coleman, is accusing Mexican police of robbing them of money and other valuables.

"People are in a vulnerable situation when they’re travelling abroad," Everall said. "I think that it would be a responsible thing for the government to do to make people aware of the issues that are going on towards tourists when travelling in Mexico so people can make informed decisions."

The couple has filed complaints with judicial police, who are responsible for investigating local police in Mexico.