The Attorney General's Office (FGR) of Mexico is set to attempt to formally charge Javier Duarte, the former governor of Veracruz, on allegations of embezzlement involving five million dollars. This charge is particularly focused on the misallocation of federal subsidies that were initially earmarked for a fund supporting individuals with disabilities in Veracruz in 2012. The case is being presented today in an important court session led by Judge Gustavo Aquiles Villaseñor.

This morning’s hearing follows a previous postponement due to health issues concerning Duarte's legal representatives, highlighting challenges in the judicial process. Additionally, previous hearings have seen Duarte absent, raising questions about potential dilatory tactics employed by his defense team. Duarte's legal team has cited reasons like a COVID-19 infection and hypertension for their absences, which have complicated the proceedings and generated public interest in the corruption case.

The implications of this case are significant for Mexican governance and the public's trust in political institutions, especially given Javier Duarte's prior prominence as a governor who has faced multiple criminal inquiries. The outcome of today's hearing could set a precedent for how corruption cases involving high-ranking officials are treated within the Mexican legal system, and will likely be watched closely by both national and international observers.