A group of evangelical Christian prisoners has been released after nearly 12 years behind bars in Mexico.

The group was included with more than 80 other indigenous Mexicans who were charged for murder in the "Acteal Massacre" in December of 1997, where 45 people died near San Crstiobal de las Casas.

Mexico's supreme court has now ruled that there was no adequate proof of their guilt.

In a 4-1 vote, the court ruled the federal attorney general violated legal process, fabricated evidence and false testimonies, formulated crimes that didn't exist and gave no solid argument establishing accountability of the prisoners.

Now the released prisoners are protesting the lack of justice for their companions still in jail. In addition, they will not be allowed to return to their own lands, because of threats on their lives.

Relatives of the remaining indigenous prisoners have set up a protest camp in Mexico City's main square.