9 released in 1997 Mexican Indian massacre

Mexico City: Mexico's Supreme Court has ordered the release of nine people convicted the 1997 massacre of 45 Indian villagers, saying their convictions were based on illegally obtained evidence.

New trials were ordered for 16 other prisoners.

It is the second time this year that Mexico's top court overturned the sentences of people convicted in the massacre in Acteal, a village in southern Chiapas state. In August, the Supreme Court released 20 people and ordered new trials for six.

The latest ruling came Wednesday.

The court cited irregularities including failure to provide interpreters for suspects who speak the Tzotzil Indian language.