Overview
- Judge Ángela Zamorano Herrera extended the hearing to Nov. 19 after a multihour session at the Reclusorio Norte in Mexico City.
- Duarte’s lawyers argued he has served about 95% of his nine-year sentence and called five witnesses on good conduct and reintegration, with the prison director still pending.
- The Fiscalía General de la República requested the postponement because three of its six proposed witnesses, including personnel from the Veracruz state prosecutor’s office, were on official assignment.
- In cross-examination, prosecutors cited alleged infractions in custody—alcohol cans in 2019–2020, a pen with a camera, a modified Blu‑ray used as a modem and a cellphone—with officials describing sanctions such as 15 days without visits.
- Duarte was sentenced in 2018 for association delictuosa and money laundering; if early release is granted he could leave months before his April 2026 end date, and if it is denied he will remain imprisoned until the term expires.