The Mexican Attorney General's Office (FGR) has announced plans to pursue a new charge against Javier Duarte de Ochoa, the former governor of Veracruz, over alleged embezzlement involving five million pesos. This embezzlement charge could result in a sentence of up to 14 years in prison. Duarte, who is currently serving a nine-year sentence for corruption, may face further legal challenges that could prevent him from regaining his freedom when eligible in April. The case underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption within Mexican politics.

During a recent court session presided over by Judge Gustavo Aquiles Villaseñor, the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for the Fight Against Corruption attempted to formally indict Duarte for allegedly diverting federal subsidies intended for a support fund for disabled persons in Veracruz back in 2012. The seriousness of these allegations highlights the continuous scrutiny and pressure on public officials regarding the management of public resources in the country, especially given Duarte’s previous convictions.

Duarte's legal team requested a postponement of the hearing due to health issues affecting his attorneys; one was hospitalized for pancreatic surgery while the other faced a renal infection. This delay indicates the common legal tactics employed by defense teams to buy time, but it also raises questions about the legal process and its efficiency in dealing with corruption cases. As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact the broader discourse on political accountability in Mexico.