Veracruz Congress Strips Immunity from Úrsulo Galván Mayor Accused of Forced Disappearance

The Veracruz Congress has voted to remove constitutional immunity from Bertín Bravo, the mayor of Úrsulo Galván, who faces accusations of forced disappearance. The decision, made by a qualified majority of 40 votes in favor and eight against, allows state prosecutors to pursue legal action against him.

The removal of immunity does not equate to a guilty verdict but lifts Bravo's procedural immunity, enabling him to face criminal and judicial charges. The vote took place in a closed-door session, during which Bravo, affiliated with the Movimiento Ciudadano party, asserted his innocence to local media, stating he would confront the accusations.

Prosecutors allege that Bravo is responsible for the forced disappearance of mining businessman Héctor Ramos Sánchez and his driver, Ignacio López, in May. According to the investigation, the mayor allegedly summoned the businessman to his home, purportedly to introduce him to a criminal leader, after which both victims were last seen.

Bravo and his defense team have denied these allegations. The deputies of the Veracruz Congress were scheduled to continue an extraordinary session to consider a second request for the removal of immunity against another mayor from the Movimiento Ciudadano party, in Ixhuatlán del Sureste.

“

I will face the accusations.