Acid attack survivor pleads against release of alleged perpetrator

The fight for justice by María Elena Ríos continues as she implores the judiciary to deny freedom to Juan Antonio Vera Carrizal, the man she identifies as the mastermind behind the brutal acid attack that scarred her seven years ago. A crucial hearing is set to decide Carrizal's fate, a moment Ríos has awaited with palpable anxiety after a long and arduous legal battle.

“

I did what I could, and I am very scared, for me, for my family.

Ríos has been a vocal advocate, not only for her own case but for all victims of gender-based violence, alleging that Carrizal, a former local PRI politician, has used his influence and resources to evade accountability. She has publicly accused judges of corruption and of "prostituting justice" in his favor, pointing to alleged payments and attempts to secure his release. The legal process has been fraught with delays, appeals, and accusations of judicial impropriety, leaving Ríos feeling pushed to her limit.

“

I want to tell you that I did what I could and that I am very scared, for me,

From Mexico, this case resonates deeply, highlighting the systemic challenges women face in seeking justice, particularly when confronting powerful perpetrators. The prolonged struggle underscores the deep-seated issues of impunity and corruption that plague the justice system. Ríos's courage in speaking out against such odds, despite her fear, serves as a powerful testament to her resilience and her unwavering demand for accountability, not just for herself, but for countless others who have suffered similar injustices.

“

I did what I could, compañeras, I did what was humanly possible, what was legally possible.