They claim to be crusading Christian soldiers. They even have a "code of conduct" illustrated with knights on horseback bearing lances and crosses.
But rather than following the commandment of “thou shalt not kill,” the Knights Templar exercise a vengeful Christianity spliced with Old Testament justice.
Hailing from the Michoacan state, Mexico's newest cartel hung up 21 bodies on a single day in June.
All this in the name of fighting a war against poverty, tyranny and injustice, at least according to the booklets they've been distributing.
The Associated Press obtained a copy of the 22-page "The Code of the Knights Templar of Michoacan." Here are some excerpts:
Ioan Grillo in Mexico City has more on the Knights Templar, who aren't the first Mexican drug cartel to claim divine Christian inspiration.
Follow Stephanie on Twitter: @stephaniegarlow
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