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Judge Denies Early Release for Ex-Veracruz Governor Javier Duarte, Keeping Him in Prison Until 2026

The judge concluded statutory prerequisites were unmet, citing unproven reinsertion activities alongside a pending Veracruz prosecution that blocks the benefit.

Overview

  • Judge Ángela Zamorano Herrera ruled Duarte will remain at Reclusorio Norte to finish his nine-year sentence, which ends in April 2026.
  • Duarte’s bid failed because his defense did not prove completion of required educational, cultural, recreational and sports activities, and the Veracruz case for disappearance-related obstruction is not yet final.
  • The court noted that disappearance forzada is a crime that triggers mandatory preventive detention, preventing early-release benefits while the appeal in Veracruz remains unresolved.
  • Across multi-day hearings, the FGR presented six witnesses and disciplinary records alleging prohibited items in Duarte’s cell and resistance to court appearances, including a 2022 incident requiring restraints.
  • Duarte’s defense argued he has served about 95% of his term, presented certificates of good conduct, alleged mistreatment in custody, and said it will appeal the denial.