Background on Israel Vallarta and His Case
Israel Vallarta, who was detained in December 2005 and held for nearly 20 years without a conviction, has been released following a federal judge’s order. He was initially accused of kidnapping and organized crime in an operation later deemed a “media setup.”
Key Details of the Case
- Vallarta was arrested alongside French national Florence Cassez during an alleged raid on the “Los Zodiaco” kidnapping gang.
- The arrest was broadcast live on national television as part of a staged operation orchestrated by the now-defunct Federal Investigation Agency (AFI), led at the time by Genaro García Luna.
- The supposed real-time operation was later proven to be a reenactment staged hours after the arrest. This manipulation was confirmed by Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice (SCJN) in 2013, acknowledging that the broadcast violated due process rights.
- Florence Cassez was released by the SCJN under the “corrupting effect” principle, as irregularities in her detention and judicial process invalidated the evidence against her. However, Vallarta remained incarcerated despite allegations of physical and psychological torture, with no firm sentence ever issued against him.
- Throughout these years, Vallarta’s defense filed multiple habeas corpus petitions, complaints, and appeals, arguing significant human rights violations and flawed prosecution.
- In 2022, the UN Committee Against Torture urged Mexico to provide Vallarta with proper medical care, legal protection, and consider alternatives to imprisonment.
Reactions from Mexican Authorities
Claudia Sheinbaum: The president confirmed the judicial decision and emphasized that her administration, through the Secretariat of Security led by Rosa Icela Rodríguez, worked towards his release due to the torture endured during detention.
Sheinbaum: “It was the decision of a judge”
“We must not forget how the arrest and the television setup took place, orchestrated by those later accused of links to drug trafficking,” Sheinbaum said, referring to former official Genaro García Luna, now imprisoned in the US.
Rosa Icela Rodríguez: The Secretary of the Interior detailed that Vallarta’s legal process stretched over nearly two decades, involving more than 10 appeals, six habeas corpus petitions, and numerous legal complaints. She highlighted that in 2022, the UN Committee Against Torture urged Mexico to take immediate action in favor of Vallarta due to torture allegations.
Rodríguez mentioned that the federal government also supported his family with medical and social assistance. The absolution came less than six months before 20 years of his detention without conviction.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Israel Vallarta? Israel Vallarta was detained in December 2005 and held for nearly 20 years without a conviction. He was accused of kidnapping and organized crime in an operation later deemed a “media setup.”
- Why was Vallarta detained for so long without a sentence? His case was marked by irregularities, including torture allegations and a staged television broadcast of his arrest. His defense filed multiple petitions, complaints, and appeals, arguing significant human rights violations and flawed prosecution.
- What role did Mexican authorities play in his release? President Claudia Sheinbaum and Secretary of the Interior Rosa Icela Rodríguez confirmed Vallarta’s release, citing the torture he endured during detention. The federal government also provided medical and social assistance to his family.
