Lame-duck Oaxaca legislature exonerates Ulises Ruiz Ortiz. For now.

The PRI-dominated state legislature of Oaxaca on its "own" initiative absolved governor Ulises Ruiz for having violated the state constitution when he ordered the gunning down of protesters in the summer and fall of 2006.

Note that that Mexican Supreme Court last October found Ruis guilty of grave violations of citizen rights. 

The vote by the Oaxaca legislature, strictly along party lines, is clearly a preemptive strike, part  of Ruis' efforts to avoid legal persecution as he leaves his position. 

The last word is not said in this case; expect the incoming state legislature to look into this and many other issues concerning Ruis' conduct. They will have their hands full.