Overview
- Police arrested Rafael León Segovia, known as “Lafita León,” on December 24 in Coatzacoalcos under a judicial order executed in the Benito Juárez Norte neighborhood.
- The operation was carried out by the Policía Ministerial with support from the Mexican Army (SEDENA), according to the Veracruz state prosecutor’s office.
- Authorities accuse him of terrorism, encubrimiento, and crimes against security institutions, and a judge ordered pretrial detention.
- An initial hearing is scheduled for December 29, and officials have not publicly detailed the evidence underlying the charges.
- ARTICLE 19 and local press groups urge due process and protective measures, citing Veracruz’s high risk for journalists and warning against criminalizing coverage.