Copppal warns of 'political use of justice' in Ruffo Appel case, condemns 'intimidation message' for opposition

The Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean (Copppal) has issued a strong condemnation regarding the legal proceedings against former Baja California governor Ernesto Ruffo Appel. The organization expressed deep regret over the events surrounding the case, labeling them as a "worrying political instrumentalization of justice."

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For Copppal, the events surrounding this case point to a worrying political instrumentalization of justice, in a context of growing national polarization, which weakens the rule of law, violates the presumption of innocence and sends an intimidation message to those who exercise democratic opposition, facts that are highly condemnable, without omitting that it is being used as a distraction from the fundamental problems of the country.

Copppal stated that the case occurs within a context of national polarization, which it believes weakens the rule of law, violates the presumption of innocence, and sends an "intimidation message" to those in democratic opposition. The group also suggested the case serves as a distraction from Mexico's fundamental problems.

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It is time that the judicial apparatuses of our nations stop being used as a weapon to destroy politics and opposition leaders.

The regional body urged for the strengthening of the rule of law and the eradication of "Lawfare," emphasizing that judicial systems should not be used as weapons against political opponents. "Democracy cannot survive when justice ceases to be impartial and becomes an instrument of political confrontation," Copppal asserted, adding that the defense of freedoms begins with the right to a fair trial.

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Democracy cannot survive when justice ceases to be impartial and becomes an instrument of political confrontation. The defense of freedoms begins by defending the right of every person to a fair, impartial trial free of any motivation other than strict compliance with the law.

The organization highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that a figure associated with Mexico's democratic transition is facing a process perceived by many as politically motivated. Copppal reiterated its commitment to due process, judicial independence, and the presumption of innocence, vowing to monitor the case and raise it in international forums.

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Justice should never become a mechanism to discredit adversaries or distract attention from the problems facing Mexico.