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Hearing to Charge Ex-Veracruz Governor Javier Duarte Over Health Funds Is Postponed Again

The delay follows a prosecutorial push enabled by Guatemala’s waiver that could keep him in custody beyond his current sentence.

Overview

  • The session set for December 30 at the Reclusorio Norte was deferred for logistical and scheduling reasons, marking a second postponement after a November 27 date was delayed over a reported health issue.
  • The FGR planned to seek a new criminal process through its anti-corruption unit, alleging improper handling of more than five million pesos from a federally funded health program during Duarte’s administration.
  • Guatemala recently authorized Mexico to pursue charges beyond those tied to Duarte’s 2017 extradition under the rule of specialty, clearing the way for new filings.
  • Prosecutors selected this health-fund file from more than 100 investigations stemming from ASF complaints that describe a broader diversion scheme using roughly 400 shell companies and an alleged shortfall exceeding 62 billion pesos.
  • If a judge later admits the case, the FGR could request precautionary measures, including justified preventive detention, which may complicate Duarte’s anticipated release in April 2026.