Overview
- Duarte’s defense called five penitentiary officials who testified to his good conduct and participation in reintegration programs.
- Prosecutors highlighted prior prison incidents from 2019 and 2020 involving prohibited items such as alcohol and electronic devices, contesting his conduct record.
- The hearing will resume at the Reclusorio Norte so the court can hear six prosecution witnesses from the FGR and Veracruz authorities, as well as one remaining defense witness.
- Duarte’s lawyers argue he has served roughly 95% of his nine-year sentence and faces no active prosecutions, though Veracruz prosecutors have appealed local case dismissals.
- If the judge grants the benefit, Duarte could leave prison months before his term ends around mid-April 2026, but he remains incarcerated until the Nov. 19 session.