Mexico's Supreme Court has ruled that soldiers accused of human rights abuses against civilians should be tried in civilian - not military - courts.
Rights groups say violations by army personnel have risen sharply since troops were deployed against the drug gangs in late 2006. Until now, soldiers have been tried by military tribunals.
Activists hailed the decision but highlighted shortcomings in Mexico's civilian courts.
The Supreme Court set out restrictions on the extent of the military code of justice in Mexico.
"Whenever a civilian's human rights have been violated by the armed forces, jurisdiction will be in civil courts," said Supreme Court Justice Arturo Zaldivar.
The justices ruled that "Mexican judges should apply the criteria of restricting military justice in future cases", a court statement said.
Over the last few years, allegations of abuses by soldiers have become more frequent. In many cities in Mexico, the army has policing powers and direct contact with the population.
Soldiers have been accused of opening fire on civilians at checkpoints in areas where drug gangs operate, and of carrying out illegal arrests and searches.
End Quote Alberto Herrera Amnesty International
The National Human Rights Commission says it has received more than 5,000 complaints about alleged abuses by the military since President Felipe Calderon launched his offensive against the drug gangs in December 2006.
Activists say few soldiers have been prosecuted for abuses and even fewer convicted by the military courts.
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