Mexican president under fire after tycoon's release

Source: The Guardian

The Mexican government of Felipe Calderón has been left with egg on its face after a judge ordered the release of a former Tijuana mayor arrested earlier this month when dozens of firearms were allegedly discovered in a raid on his mansion.

The federal judge released Jorge Hank Rhon saying there was insufficient evidence to indict the 55-year-old gambling magnate and politician, despite reports from officials that 88 guns were found at his sprawling complex in Tijuana. Hank Rhon – a father of 19 – is famed for his fortune, machismo, and exotic animals.

But he did not get to enjoy his freedom for long, as he was immediately taken to the state prosecutor's office for questioning over murders reportedly committed with two of the guns.

Hank Rhon was arrested in the early hours of 4 June after soldiers entered his home, which stretches up a hill from the racetrack he owns. The compound also includes a private bullring and zoo populated by white Bengal tigers, guacamayas and other rare animals.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/14/mexican-mayor-jorge-hank-rhon