Jailed Extortion Candidate Remains on Michoacán Judicial Ballot

A judicial candidate in Michoacán, Mexico, Elizabeth Guzmán Vilchis, is facing accusations of involvement in the murder of Homero González, a prominent environmental activist and defender of the monarch butterfly. Vilchis is currently imprisoned, awaiting trial on charges of organized crime and extortion. Despite her incarceration, she remains a candidate in the upcoming judicial elections. Miguel Alfonso Meza, President of the Defensorxs Association, expressed deep concern about the situation, stating, "It shows the failure of this process; that even if a person is detained, being a candidate, and is in prison for the alleged crime of extortion, they can still be on the ballot." Civil organizations have presented documents to the INE (National Electoral Institute) highlighting Vilchis's past and urging action. The case raises questions about the integrity of the judicial system and the vetting process for candidates.