Background and Relevance of Genaro García Luna
Genaro García Luna, the former Secretary of Public Security in Mexico under President Felipe Calderón’s administration (2006-2012), was convicted in the United States to 39 years in prison. He was found guilty of protecting the Sinaloa Cartel, led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes.
Allegations of Mistreatment
In a document submitted to the appeals court by his attorney Valerie A. Gotlib, dated August 1st, García Luna claims he was held in solitary confinement for eight months at the USP Lee prison in Virginia. Despite being in solitary confinement, which is typically reserved for rule-breakers, he never received any disciplinary sanctions.
- He was denied access to shower, shave, or use utensils for eating; only clothing was provided.
- He lost 17 kilograms during this period.
- Since December 2024, he was denied access to his legal materials.
García Luna was transferred from a Virginia prison to the FTC Oklahoma penitentiary and then to USP Florence ADMAX, where he serves his sentence alongside “Chapo” Guzmán.
After numerous unsuccessful attempts, his attorneys were able to speak with him for the first time since January 2025 on July 31st. They spoke with him again this Wednesday, confirmed César de Castro, his attorney to AFP.
Although conditions have improved in his current prison, he still lacks access to essential documents needed for his appeal. His defense team requested a three-month extension from the Second Circuit Court of Appeals until December 18th to submit their appeal brief.
The defense team argues that an earlier deadline would cause “extreme difficulties” given the case’s complexity. They claim that the lack of access to their client has caused “unjust and extreme prejudice,” making it challenging to prepare the initial brief.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Genaro García Luna? He was the former Secretary of Public Security in Mexico under President Felipe Calderón’s administration.
- Why is he relevant? He was convicted in the United States for protecting the Sinaloa Cartel led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán in exchange for bribes.
- What are the allegations of mistreatment? García Luna claims he was held in solitary confinement without disciplinary sanctions, denied basic necessities like showers and utensils, and lacked access to legal materials for his appeal.
- What is the current situation? Conditions have improved in his current prison, but he still lacks essential documents for his appeal. His defense team requested an extension until December 18th to submit their brief.
