Former Guerrero Governor Charged with Forced Disappearance in 2014 Ayotzinapa Student Case

Published Aug 17, 12:17 AM UTC

Ángel Aguirre, former governor of Guerrero, Mexico, has been formally charged with forced disappearance and obstruction of justice in the case of 43 students who vanished in 2014. The students, from Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College, were allegedly attacked by a local cartel in collusion with security forces and authorities. Aguirre is accused of ordering the destruction of surveillance footage that may have shown the students being taken away. The case, described as a 'state crime' by former President López Obrador, has been marred by a cover-up, including tortured confessions and manipulated evidence. Aguirre's indictment is seen as a major breakthrough, though key questions remain. He was ordered to remain in maximum-security detention pending trial.