Former Veracruz Governor Javier Duarte to Remain Imprisoned Until 2026
A Mexican court has ruled that former Governor of Veracruz, Javier Duarte de Ochoa, will continue to be held in prison until April 2026. The decision,handed down by Control Judge Ángela Zamorano,stems from Duarte’s failure to meet all requirements for early release under the Criminal Execution Law.
The judge steadfast that Duarte did not satisfy stipulations outlined in article 141 of the law, most notably the requirement of having no pending criminal processes. despite this ruling, Duarte still faces charges related to the forced disappearance of state police officer David Lara cruz, an incident registered in January 2016. This ongoing case has prompted local prosecutors to challenge any potential release, keeping the process active.
According to the court, Duarte failed to meet two of the six requirements established by law for early release. In addition to the pending criminal process, he was unable to demonstrate compliance wiht the activity plan at the North Prison, which includes participation in cultural, recreational, and sports programs.
Did you know?-Javier Duarte served as Governor of Veracruz from 2010 to 2016, representing the institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). He was arrested in Guatemala after months as a fugitive.
“By not fully meeting the requirements, the request for early release is unfounded,” Judge Zamorano Herrera stated following a hearing that lasted one hour and fifteen minutes.
Duarte was arrested in November 2017 and sentenced to nine years in prison, equating to 3,285 days. This recent ruling means he will serve an additional 142 days at the north Prison.
following the hearing, Duarte’s lawyer, Pablo Campuzano, indicated that they intend to appeal the judge’s decision. Campuzano noted that his client did not offer any immediate reaction to the outcome. “He (Duarte) did not make any comments, naturally it is not the resolution that we expected, neither he nor we as a defence, but I insist, it is something that we abide by and respect,” he said.
Pro tip:-Mexico’s Criminal Execution Law allows for early release based on good behavior and rehabilitation, but requires fulfillment of specific conditions set by the court.
Duarte’s initial nine-year sentence stemmed from charges of embezzlement and illicit enrichment. The ongoing investigation into the disappearance of David Lara Cruz, however, presents a notable obstacle to his potential freedom. Prosecutors allege Duarte’s administration was involved in widespread corruption and human rights abuses.
Reader question:-What impact will this decision have on other high-profile corruption cases in Mexico? Share your thoughts.
