Overview
- Rafael “Lafita” León Segovia, a veteran crime reporter, was arrested on December 24 in Coatzacoalcos under a judicial warrant executed by Policía Ministerial with support from the Defense Ministry.
- The Veracruz prosecutor’s office imputed terrorism, encubrimiento, and offenses against public‑security institutions, and a control judge deemed the detention legal with prisión preventiva oficiosa.
- Authorities have not disclosed the evidence supporting the accusations, prompting Article 19, CEAPP, and local journalist associations to condemn potential criminalization and request protection measures.
- Governor Rocío Nahle said the case is unrelated to freedom of expression and deferred details to the state prosecutor, asserting the law applies equally to all.
- León Segovia’s family reported alleged irregularities during the operation, CEAPP is providing legal accompaniment, and further hearings are scheduled in the coming days.