BCS Congress halts impeachment proceedings and protects officials accused of corruption

In a private session and secret vote , 9 deputies voted against, 7 in favor and 1 abstained, so the procedure was rejected.

What is desafuero?

The removal of immunity or trial of origin is the legal process by which a public servant with constitutional immunity (such as deputies, mayors, magistrates) can lose that legal protection so that he can be tried like any other citizen for criminal offenses.

This mechanism is key to ensuring accountability , avoiding impunity , and ensuring that no official uses his or her position to evade justice.

Baja California Sur Case: What Happened

• The local Congress closed its session on Monday, June 30, without ruling on the request for removal of immunity from Congresswoman Alondra Torres García and official Ariel Castro Cárdenas , despite the fact that the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office filed it for alleged damage to the public treasury amounting to 14 million pesos.

  
  

• In a private session and secret vote , 9 deputies voted against, 7 in favor and 1 abstained, so the procedure was rejected.

  
  

• No detailed reasons were provided, but Governor Victor Castro said the close vote was legal .

  
  

Relevant points

1. Request filed : The Prosecutor's Office requested that the accused be criminally investigated for alleged abuse of authority and simulation in the contracting of an irregular loan.

2. Internal debate : The issue generated divisions between parties such as Morena, the PT, and the opposition, and there was some controversy over bringing it to a private session.

3. Open agenda : The removal of immunity remains pending, as a broader initiative to eliminate immunity at the state level is still being discussed, which is still in committee.

   
   

How does this affect citizens in BCS?

• Confidence in the judiciary : If the impeachment proceedings are not advanced, citizens may perceive that there is impunity for public servants linked to possible acts of corruption, which weakens confidence in institutions.

• Limited accountability : The message is that officials can remain protected until there is political will or structural reform.

• Expectation of future changes : The proposal to eliminate the jurisdiction benefits citizens in the long term by requiring all public servants to be legally responsible for their actions.

• Transparency in the debate : The closed session and secret ballot have been criticized for limiting public scrutiny and legitimate citizen participation.

  
  

In summary

The BCS Congress did not approve the removal of immunity last Monday, leaving no room for progress on the possibility of those involved in the matter being criminally prosecuted during this period. Although it could be revived in additional periods or after a reform to eliminate immunity, the decision currently raises concerns due to the lack of sanctions for potential acts of corruption.