Overview
- The ruling keeps Duarte in federal custody to complete his nine‑year sentence in April 2026, with roughly five months remaining.
- Judge Ángela Zamorano Herrera determined the defense did not meet two of seven legal criteria, including proof of completed reintegration activities, and noted the Veracruz disappearance case lacks finality due to an appeal.
- The FGR opposed the request with six witnesses who cited contraband and disciplinary findings in prison—alcohol, a modified Blu‑Ray used as a modem, a pen with a camera, and a cellphone—plus six failed attempts to present him at an initial hearing in Veracruz.
- Duarte’s team argued he has served about 95% of his term with good conduct, alleged political persecution, and filed a torture complaint over how he was brought to a 2022 hearing.
- Two marathon hearings on November 11 and 19 preceded the decision, and the defense says it will consider an appeal given the limited time left on the sentence.