After Losing in Court, Hipolito Mora's message from prison: "Don't lay down arms"

Chivís Martínez for Borderland Beat

 

Judge's Decision Goes Against Hipolito Mora

The fourth judge of Assize in Michoacán issued detention order against the leader and founder of the self-defense groups, Hipolito Mora Chavez, for his alleged involvement in the killing of two men.

The State public security secretariat reported that the judge found sufficient evidence of his  guilt in the crime of homicide, in degree of collusion.  The decision was made just under the deadline to either process the complaint or free Mora.

Mora is being held in a prison near the city of Morelia.

Because of  this decision, tomorrow, Mora will likely  be transferred to the Social Rehabilitation Center in Apatzingán.

His attorney, Eduardo Quintero Madrigal, said that until now, as part of the process, Hipolito Mora Chavez was in complete safety and protected from potential enemies, but with the determination of the judge, he will be transferred to Apatzingán where he will face  enemies who want him dead.  He told reporters it is his belief that from the moment of transfer the defendant has his physical integrity at risk.

From the gates of the fourth criminal court in Cereso Hipolito Mora Chavez came to speak to the media, saying he feels fundamentally betrayed, by the judge's decision.

He sent a message to  all autodefensas, not to be intimidated, and  not lose heart because of the  situation that has befallen him. 

He further stated, that because of all that has been achieved by the autodefensas so far, that people can work and live quietly,  he has "no regrets", although the judge made this decision, and although I rot in jail, do not regret what we are doing, likewise ask my partners not to lay down their arms and continue fighting,"

He stressed that he is concerned for his family, who he alleges  are being watched and have received threats. 

His attorney, Eduardo Quintana, became irate at the decision, saying it was the most vile  ruling he has ever seen in his 30 years of practicing.  He asserted that the judge made a ruling without a shred of evidence, and  prompted the judge to tell everyone  including the press,   what  evidence his decision was based on, he continued by saying "Mr. Judge, there is no doubt that we live in a state where the law is absolutely worthless, where a formal arrest order can be issued without evidence".

"The judge lacks balls,  because decisions like this are only made  based on cowardice, so I hold the judge responsible if something happens to Hipólito, since the case will be turned over to an appeals  court  in Apatzingán." The Apatzingán prison is filled with CT.

Further,  Hipolito Mora's attorney said, that they have another 72 hours to contest the fourth or criminal decision and file an  injunction, so once again within 72 hours Hipolito Chavez Mora could have news that can be released or continue with his trial from behind bars.

It is amazing how prosecutors managed to charge Mora with 35 charges, yet in the case of Caballeros Leader "El Tío", the same prosecutors could only squeeze out a single charge, that of being in possession of arms exclusive to the army. 

 

Source: Facebook, La Voz de Michoacán , Esquema