Why people resort to lynching

Why do civilians take the law into their own hands? Using Mexico as an example, ETH researcher Enzo Nussio shows how it’s a combination of a weak state and strong local communities.

Two cars lie upside down on the road and are spray-painted with words like "Asesinos". Civilians are recognizable in the background.
An angry mob blocked the road in the Mexican city of Taxco Following the disappearance of a girl, a suspected perpetrator was beaten to death by several local residents. (Photograph: Keystone)

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