Miguel Flores was executed in Texas despite protests...

Miguel Flores was executed in Texas despite protests from the Mexican government and European Union that Texas authorities violated the article 36 of the Vienna Convention in failing to inform Flores, a Mexican national, of his right to consular assistance. The Mexican government had filed protests with Governor George W. Bush and the State Department. On November 3, the European Union had also conveyed to the members of the Board of Pardons and Paroles of Texas, an urgent humanitarian appeal, in support of the Government of Mexico. Nevertheless, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied Flores' clemency petition and the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, refused to grant a stay of execution. Flores' last chance at a reprieve was Governor Bush, who could have granted a 30-day stay of execution. The Chicago Police Department has decided to post signs to notify foreign arrestees of their right to consular assistance. The decision came in response to complaints from Mexico and Poland that the Department had violated the Vienna Convention.