Mexico’s Supreme Court Orders Immediate Release of Juana Hilda González After 19 Years in Wallace Kidnapping Case

The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) in Mexico has ordered the immediate and absolute release of Juana Hilda González Lomelí, who had been imprisoned for nearly 19 years and five months. She was convicted and sentenced to 78 years in prison for her alleged involvement in the 2005 kidnapping and murder of Hugo Alberto Wallace Miranda, son of the late activist Isabel Miranda de Wallace. The court's First Chamber ruled by a majority of four votes to one that there was insufficient evidence to prove her guilt. It was also determined that her confession was obtained under torture, violating her human rights and due process.

This ruling revokes her previous conviction and may lead to the release of other individuals implicated in the Wallace case. The decision has been recognized by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (ONU-DH) as a reaffirmation of the importance of fair trial standards, presumption of innocence, adequate defense, and prohibition of torture. Despite her release, Juana Hilda González Lomelí will not receive compensation or a public apology. Her case has drawn attention to issues of judicial misconduct and human rights violations in Mexico's legal system.