Legal context and judicial decision
Juan Miguel Pantoja Miranda, alias “El Pajarraco”, was exonerated of the charges for the forced disappearance of the 43 students of the Raúl Isidro Burgos Rural Normal School in Ayotzinapa, which occurred in September 2014. However, Judge Raquel Duarte Cedillo, of the Second Criminal District of Toluca, determined that he will continue in preventive detention in the Altiplano prison due to his alleged connection with the criminal group Guerreros Unidos.
Lack of conclusive evidence
The judicial resolution highlighted that the statements of protected witnesses, survivors and relatives of the victims did not directly implicate Pantoja Miranda in the crime against the normalistas. Instead, it was associated with organized crime activities, such as the transfer of people and surveillance for armed groups. The judge emphasized that the evidence presented by the Prosecutor’s Office was “imprecise and inconsistent”, failing to comply with the requirements of Article 19 of the Constitution to dictate formal imprisonment for forced disappearance.
Analysis of discarded evidence
Among the rejected elements is the statement that the accused gave in 2018 before the National Human Rights Commission, where he admitted presence in Iguala on the night of the events, but denied active participation. Pantoja Miranda stated that his work was limited to reporting suspicious movements in the Atlixtac area, without the use of weapons. The judge considered that this testimony, since it was not ratified in court, had no probative value.
Likewise, he dismissed the testimony of Miguel Ángel Landa Bahena (“El Duvalín”), who identified him as an accomplice. The judge clarified that, since it was presented as a photocopy without procedural validation, it could not be considered testimonial evidence. This criterion reflects the legal rigor applied to avoid convictions based on irregular documentation.
Implications of the ruling
The decision highlights the fissures in the government investigation, questioned by international organizations. While Pantoja Miranda will face trial for organized crime, the acquittal in the Ayotzinapa case reopens the debate about the lack of solid evidence against other people involved. Human rights experts point out that this ruling could influence future resolutions related to the crime.
What’s next? The Prosecutor’s Office could appeal or present new evidence, although the deadline is limited. Meanwhile, civil organizations demand transparency in the pending investigations.
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