Ex-Governor Aguirre Detained in Ayotzinapa Disappearances Case

A former governor of Guerrero, Mexico, Ángel Aguirre Rivero, has been ordered into pre-trial detention for his alleged involvement in the 2014 disappearance of 43 students. The decision came after a videoconference hearing where one father of a missing student directly addressed Aguirre.

The father, whose identity was protected, spoke from the Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez Human Rights Center. He refuted claims by Aguirre and his defense team about the former governor's health issues, which were used to argue for house arrest. The father stated that Aguirre and his allies had caused significant harm and concealed evidence related to the disappearance.

Aguirre, who served as governor from 2011 to 2014, is accused of forced disappearance of persons. The father emphasized that the parents of the 43 missing students have endured twelve years of suffering and a relentless pursuit of justice. He urged the judge to keep Aguirre in jail, stating, "This individual must be in jail. He must not leave."

During the hearing, Aguirre asserted his conscience was clear and that he would prove his innocence to his family. However, the father countered that Aguirre's actions had been detrimental and involved the "hiding of evidence." The father concluded his statement by saying, "We deserve justice."