Entry to the Atlacholoaya prison
Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, former director of Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), was admitted to the Observation and Classification Center of the Atlacholoaya prison after his arrest at the Benito Juárez mayor’s office in Mexico City. He is accused of family and vicarious violence, for attacking his wife in the presence of their youngest daughter.
During his first morning in the protection area for officials, he expressed dissatisfaction because they did not bring him fruit. The prison rule is that fruit is served only to those who are on a sick diet. Later they gave him pieces of melon, and other prisoners indicated that he probably paid for this benefit, a common practice in that area.
Rodríguez occupies a single cell, wears a beige uniform and plain tennis shoes. So far he has not received visits from family or friends. He also did not have companions at the accusation formulation hearing last Wednesday. Judge Consuelo Adriana Carrera Ortiz asked twice if there was any family member present, without receiving a response.
In that same hearing, the former official reported that he is undergoing treatment for a malignant tumor in the prostate. The judge ordered immediate medical attention.
“I am going to order that the corresponding letter be sent to the director of the Social Reintegration Center so that they can immediately provide medical attention and they must inform me within 24 hours,” said the judge.
Rodríguez tried to detail his medication, but the judge interrupted him: “I cannot order in this office that you be given these medications, because I am not a doctor; however, a doctor will determine if it is pertinent for you to take these medications.” Complaints have been registered in the prison about lack of medication.
